Fairhope Proposes Zoning Changes to Limit Density, Protect Downtown

New regulations aim to preserve the central business district and control population growth.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of Fairhope, Alabama is proposing changes to its zoning ordinance that would limit residential development in certain commercial districts and better regulate apartment complexes, planned unit developments (PUDs), and mixed-use projects. The goal is to protect the viability of the central business district and control overall population density in the city.

Why it matters

Fairhope's downtown has faced pressure from rapid growth and development in recent years, leading the city to impose a temporary building moratorium. These proposed zoning changes are an attempt to strike a balance between preserving the character of the central business district and allowing for controlled, sustainable growth in the city.

The details

The proposed zoning ordinance changes were introduced at the February 19th city council meeting and are set to be voted on in early March. They would prohibit certain residential uses in the B-1 to B-4 commercial districts, though existing residential properties would be grandfathered in. The changes also aim to clarify allowed building heights and better regulate apartment complexes, PUDs, and mixed-use developments.

  • The current building moratorium on larger multi-unit projects is set to expire next month.
  • The new zoning ordinance changes are intended to be in effect by the time the moratorium expires on January 1, 2027.

The players

Councilman Burrell

A city council member who stated the goal of the zoning changes is to protect the central business district and control growth and population density.

WAV Firm

An architecture firm that objected to the proposed changes that would limit residential options in certain commercial districts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That's pretty much the goal. We believe what every Fairhope citizen wants is to protect the central business district (CBD), keeping it viable place to have a business or live, and to control growth and population density.”

— Councilman Burrell (Fairhope Times)

“The governing body of the city of Fairhope resolves to start the process for amending ordinance 1263 (if adopted) to protect residential use of property that may be affected by current amendment proposals including B3a and B3b.”

— Councilman Conyers (Fairhope Times)

What’s next

The city council is set to vote on the proposed zoning ordinance changes at their first meeting in March.

The takeaway

Fairhope is attempting to strike a delicate balance between preserving the character of its historic downtown and allowing for controlled growth and development. These zoning changes reflect the city's efforts to protect its central business district while also managing population density citywide.