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Eufaula council adopts moratorium on residential use of accessory structures through July
Summary
The Eufaula City Council on March 3 adopted Resolution 16-2026, imposing an immediate moratorium through July 31, 2026, on establishing or using accessory buildings for residential purposes — including short-term rentals — while the city reviews zoning rules.
The Eufaula City Council adopted Resolution 16-2026 on March 3, 2026, imposing a temporary moratorium on the establishment and residential use of accessory buildings and structures, including short-term rentals. President Pro Tem Otis Hill moved to approve the resolution and Councilman Marvin Brown seconded; President Wes Register announced the measure approved by voice vote.
City Attorney Joel Smith explained the moratorium applies immediately and extends to July 31, 2026. During the moratorium the city will not accept applications to the Board of Zoning Adjustments for permission to use an accessory structure for residential purposes, and will not issue building permits, certificates of occupancy, or business licenses for short-term rental use of accessory structures. The resolution defines “accessory building or structure” to include garages, carports, guest houses, cabins and similar subordinate buildings on the same lot as a principal building, and defines “short-term rental” as overnight accommodations for any period of 30 or fewer consecutive days.
The resolution states the moratorium is intended to give the city time to reassess and, if appropriate, amend the Zoning Ordinance and related regulations so the city can consider standards for accessory structures consistent with each district’s character and land-use objectives. It says the moratorium is designed to be temporary and limited to the time reasonably necessary to study regulatory options and implement changes if needed.
The resolution exempts accessory buildings and structures that previously received approval for residential use from the Board of Zoning Adjustments and that remain in compliance with applicable ordinances and regulations. It also clarifies that short-term rentals currently holding valid permits and business licenses may continue and may seek license renewals so long as they comply with existing rules.
Next steps identified in the meeting record include city research and study of zoning changes and a possible extension of the moratorium if council deems it necessary. No public hearing or additional timeline for amendments was specified in the adopted text.
