Planning commission backs Longleaf PUD amendments with temporary‑use limits

The Spanish Fort Planning Commission voted to recommend that city council approve amendments to the Longleaf planned‑unit development (PUD) narrative that clarify temporary uses, tree‑protection measures and construction timing for the clubhouse.

A staff member outlined proposed changes including a narrower tree‑survey requirement (a 10% sample for general areas with full inventories of preservation trees), limitations on temporary surveying to areas that will be cleared, and a schedule for temporary golf‑course operations. The latest narrative would require temporary course‑operation uses on lots to be removed and restored to residential use no later than July 31, 2028, after which temporary operations may move to the final clubhouse site and continue there through December 31, 2031, unless extended: "this would grant temporary course operation uses as late as 12/31/2031," the staff member said. The staff report also noted a typographical error in the draft (a misplaced "not") that needed removal so the sentence reads that temporary uses "will be allowed."

Commissioners raised questions about the meaning of "temporary," the expiration dates, and whether certain temporary facilities (e.g., chipping greens, a two‑bay performance center, pro shop and covered cart storage) would require standard site‑plan review. Staff said many construction‑phase improvements would not require separate site‑plan approval unless staff or the building official determined the changes were more expansive than anticipated.

After clarifying the wording and handling a withdrawn motion and restart of the vote, the commission approved the recommendation to city council by roll call. The item will be forwarded to city council for final action.