Commission recommends rezoning two parcels into Thomas Hospital site under medical overlay

The Fairhope Planning Commission unanimously recommended that city council rezone two parcels adjacent to Thomas Hospital from R4 (low‑density multifamily residential) to B2 (general business) so those lots can be administratively combined with the hospital site under the medical overlay district.

Staff said the medical overlay already applies hospital‑oriented standards and that the rezoning would correct a split‑zone condition as an administrative replat merges the lots into the larger hospital parcel. Staff recommended approval and noted landscape and buffer requirements — including a six‑foot privacy fence and a 20‑foot vegetative buffer next to residential — would apply to hospital uses such as an existing generator permit.

During the public hearing, nearby resident Altha Curry said she and her husband live adjacent to the subject lots and expressed concern about noise and commercial encroachment; Matt Wilson asked whether temporary construction trailers and off‑site parking uses were permitted under current rules. Staff responded that properties inside the medical overlay have a broader set of allowed medical uses but that temporary construction uses and parking have separate rules and may require permits.

Janet Terry, representing Thompson Engineering for the applicant, acknowledged an earlier slide error that listed B4 and confirmed on the record that the applicant requests B2. Commissioners moved to recommend approval to city council; the motion passed unanimously and the case will be advertised again with the corrected zoning designation before council consideration.