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Hartselle imposes 12-month moratorium on higher-density rezoning as several rezoning requests move forward
Summary
The Hartselle City Council approved a 12-month moratorium on rezonings to R-3, R-4 and R-5 to study impacts on schools, utilities and infrastructure, while introducing two separate rezoning ordinances and failing to introduce a third for lack of a motion.
The Hartselle City Council on April 27 approved a 12-month moratorium on rezoning or initial zoning of property to R-3, R-4 or R-5 to allow staff and the Planning Commission time to study growth implications for schools, utilities and other infrastructure.
Development Director Jeremy Griffith told the council the moratorium, adopted as Resolution 26-0427, is intended to let the city evaluate potential impacts of higher-density residential developments. Council Member Mike Swafford moved to approve the resolution and Council Member Virginia Alexander seconded; the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
At the same meeting the council introduced two separate rezoning ordinances for later consideration. Griffith said Ordinance 1652 would rezone about 15 acres west of Bellemeade Street from R-4 (semi-attached townhouse) to R-2 (single-family detached), a change that would reduce allowable density and conforms to the comprehensive plan. Council Member Swafford moved to introduce Ordinance 1652; Council Member Sherry Yeager seconded and the introduction passed. Planning Commission will make a formal recommendation on May 5, ahead of council final consideration on May 26.
Griffith also introduced Ordinance 1653 to rezone roughly 2.9 acres on Parker Road from AG-1 (agricultural) to R-1 (single-family detached) to permit division from a larger parcel. Council Member Virginia Alexander moved its introduction; Mike Swafford seconded and the motion passed. Planning Commission will consider the request May 5 before the council hears final consideration May 26.
A third rezoning, Ordinance 1654 to change about 1.2 acres at Corsbie and Dawson from R-2 to R-4, did not receive a motion to introduce and therefore failed to move forward. Griffith noted the request varies from the comprehensive plan but pointed out there is commercial zoning across Corsbie Street.
The moratorium includes exceptions for rezoning applications already submitted and for requests that would reduce density compared with existing zoning. The council framed the pause as a planning tool to ensure the city can assess effects on schools, utilities and other infrastructure before permitting higher-density developments.
