Mike Jeffries presented SD 26.01 as a preliminary approval for a 15‑unit multiple‑occupancy project in the Eastern Shore Village Center (the former Big Lots location). Staff said the request divides an existing tenant space to create two tenant spaces — a fitness club of about 2,228 square feet and a potential restaurant with up to 28 seats — and that the net parking and shared‑parking agreement for the center were factors in the review.

Staff identified two waiver requests that it recommended approving: one for stormwater/drainage-plan requirements and one for green-space requirements under Article 5, Section C. Commissioners and staff discussed constraints created by an earlier shared‑parking agreement approved by City Council, and several commissioners asked staff to check whether modest additional plantings or screening could be added on the Fairhope Avenue frontage without violating the shared‑parking agreement.

Attorney Carrie Kamanis, representing the applicant, told the commission the project was an "innocuous" conversion of existing space and that reconfiguring parking would require renegotiation of tenant agreements. Engineer Larry Smith and other staff explained parking, drainage and the need to coordinate any changes with the shared‑parking agreement.

The commission voted to allow the stormwater waiver and to approve the green‑space waiver. The commission then approved SD 26.01 with these conditions: approval of the waivers; tenant spaces must conform to square‑footage and seating limits shown in the revised parking study; recording of a revised shared‑parking agreement in Baldwin County Probate Court if approved by Fairhope City Council; and a recommendation that the city horticulturist explore tree and screening opportunities to bring the development closer to compliance. The motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: Applicant will pursue any city‑council action required for a revised shared‑parking agreement; the horticulturist will be asked to assess screening options; and recording of the revised shared‑parking agreement will be required if city council approves changes.