Commission denies Jones property rezoning after neighbors raise access and runoff concerns

The Baldwin County Commission voted to deny a rezoning request for the Jones property (case Z2601), a 4.13-acre parcel near Josephine Drive that applicants asked to change from RA (rural agricultural) to RSF-2 (single-family residential).

Planning staff explained the parcel is currently used as residential and noted the request is not consistent with the future land-use map. Commissioners questioned whether the parcel could already support multiple dwellings under current RA rules and raised practical concerns about splitting long, narrow lots.

Neighbors who spoke during the public hearing expressed worries about driveway access and stormwater runoff into the bay. Michael Taylor, the adjoining property owner, said the applicant currently accesses their lot across his driveway and asked how subdivision would change that access. "I'm just expressing my concerns about access," Taylor said. Sherry Smith, an adjacent property owner and descendant of early settlers, said she supported keeping the area's close-knit character and worried that rezoning could permit more houses and increase runoff.

Owner Pete Jones said the family’s intent is limited — to provide flexibility for small homes for relatives — and that topography and floodplain constraints would limit development. Jones said an alternate access from the blacktop would be used and that he did not intend a large subdivision.

Commissioner Underwood moved to deny the rezoning, citing lot geometry and inconsistency with the county's smart-growth guidance; the motion carried 2–1. The commission closed the public hearing and denied the map amendment.