Commission approves Heaman property rezoning from RA to B-1 near Foley/Beach Express
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Summary
The Commission approved rezoning case E25-63 to change a 4.9-acre parcel from rural agricultural (RA) to B-1 Professional Business District, acknowledging potential wetlands and the need for delineation. Public comment raised concerns about consistency with the future land use map.
Baldwin County commissioners on Feb. 19 approved rezoning case E25-63, the Heaman property, changing the parcel’s zoning from RA (rural agricultural) to B-1 (Professional Business District).
A planner noted the property is approximately 4.9 acres in Planning District 30, adjacent to the Foley Beach Express and near annexed areas of Foley and Orange Beach. Staff cautioned that the parcel contains areas of potential wetlands and that any development would require a wetland delineation.
Public comment included Tracy Gamble, who said the parcel appears on the county’s future land use map as conservation/preservation and urged commissioners to consider the plan and the area’s wetlands and wildlife. The landowner, Nicholas Hammond, described intentions for a mixed residential/commercial PUD with a small office, limited parking and some storage, saying he had cleared the lot and planned modest development.
Commissioners discussed inconsistencies between the current future land use map and actual development patterns along the Beach Express and noted the county is updating its master plan and expects draft maps in the coming months. Jay (county staff) described the update process and said baseline data and draft maps were in progress.
Commissioner Gruber moved to approve the rezoning; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Staff recorded that any building activity would be subject to required environmental reviews and permits, including wetland delineation and any agency-mandated mitigation tied to species or habitat protections.
