Fairhope Implements Construction Moratorium

The Fairhope City Council recently authorized the city’s second development-related moratorium in the past five years, AL.com reported. The 12-month moratorium applies to all new subdivision and multi-occupancy projects or apartment complexes outside the city limits but within its 5-mi. planning jurisdiction, where new construction activity is ongoing. Reasons for Alabama’s fastest-growing county to slow its growth include concerns of utilities being able to keep up with the growth, traffic congestion, sudden local school enrollment increases and a lack of zoning in areas outside the city limits. Related action in the county include a six-month moratorium on rezoning requests from developers in Daphne; the implementation of “impact fees” on new developments in Foley; and the requirement for developers to obtain a “conditional use permit” to build multifamily dwellings, such as apartments, in Gulf Shores.