Commission approves Cooper boat and RV storage site plan and variance for 74 units

The Baldwin County Planning & Zoning Commission on June 4 approved a commission plan development and associated variance for an eight‑building boat and RV storage facility that will contain 74 open units on about 5.3 acres in Planning District 14.

“The proposal is for eight buildings with 74 total units,” planning staff told the commission, noting that utilities will be provided by the town of Silver Hill (water), Baldwin County Sewer Service (sewer) and Riviera Utilities (electric). Staff said no wetlands are present and the drainage narrative was accepted by the county permit engineer.

During questioning, a commissioner raised concerns that the site is near known flood‑prone areas. The applicant’s engineer replied that the project’s drainage system is designed to retain more water than the current site runoff and that any required drainage maintenance will be completed before construction begins.

Commissioners also discussed a variance from the usable open‑space requirement in Section 144, which staff said was never intended to apply to commercial multi‑unit storage uses and therefore routinely requires a variance for this project type. Commissioner discussion noted the regulation’s scope and that the request meets Baldwin County subdivision regulations and the zoning ordinance as presented.

The public hearing drew no speakers who signed up to address the proposal. Commissioner Michael Mullik moved to approve both CPD26‑01 and SV26‑09 together; the motion was seconded and carried with one member recorded as opposed.

The commission did not place additional conditions beyond the standard coordination with engineering and permitting requirements; staff indicated the drainage and grading plans and landscaping are part of the approved site materials. Next steps are for the applicant to complete any outstanding preconstruction permitting and to apply for necessary building permits before work begins.