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Council adopts mixed‑use density changes, pledges quick follow‑up revisions
Summary
Fairhope adopted mixed‑use building density changes after a lengthy discussion about rounding rules and central‑business district treatment; council asked staff to return with revisions within 30–90 days.
Fairhope’s City Council voted on July 27 to adopt amendments that change how dwelling units are calculated for mixed‑use buildings in the central business district and elsewhere, but members instructed staff to bring follow‑up ordinance edits quickly.
Hunter, the city planner, walked the council through the mechanics of the proposed formula and explained the data behind the recommendation: "The density number that was sent in the study to you last Friday was 16.6. How do we get to 12 units an acre?" he said, then described options for rounding and interval adjustments. Council members debated whether rounding would double density in some cases, the effect of parking requirements on actual buildable units, and ways to avoid disincentivizing downtown residences.
Some councilmembers favored adopting Option 1—an approach they said balances downtown protection and development flexibility—while reserving the right to revise details. Council member Burrell urged caution to protect downtown commercial space; others warned that leaving the rule vague risks incentivizing undesirable outcomes or causing legal complexity. The council approved the ordinance with a recorded consensus to circulate proposed edits among councilmembers within 30 days and return it to planning commission and public hearings if needed.
