Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) —  At Tuesday’s meeting, the Gulf Shores Planning Commission took steps to manage the city’s rapid growth. Members addressed several key issues, including approving a development request and adopting new policies. The meeting reflected ongoing concerns about infrastructure demands and future planning. Officials worked to balance growth with long-term sustainability.

During the meeting, the commission announced a moratorium on new applications for rezoning, planning and development, and subdivisions that require public infrastructure. The policy will last 12 months, with the option to extend it by an additional six months. The move is intended to prevent strain on city infrastructure.

The decision came after the withdrawal of multiple proposals, including the Audubon Oaks Planning and Development project and the Ellenberg property proposals. City leaders said the pause will allow time for the city to complete a new comprehensive plan before considering new applications that require public infrastructure.

The commission also held a public hearing regarding the Oak Place property at 18789 Oak Road West. Members voted to recommend pre-zoning and annexation of the property to the City Council. The site has been under consideration for development since 2019.

Although the applicant requested R14 zoning, which permits medium-density development, the commission instead recommended R13 zoning. This classification requires larger minimum lot sizes of 15,000 square feet, compared with 11,000 square feet under R14. The change aligns with nearby low-density neighborhoods.

Commission members said the lower-density zoning supports the city’s goal of limiting growth intensity in the current planning cycle. The Oak Place site already has key infrastructure, including sewer and water lines, making it a viable candidate for consideration.

During public comments, residents raised concerns about how the city notifies property owners of proposed developments. Some said they saw posted signs but did not receive formal letters. They noted inconsistencies in the process and requested improvements.

The commission acknowledged those concerns and said the city is working to improve its notification methods. Currently, notices are sent to property owners within a 1,000-foot radius of a proposed project based on tax records. Officials said updates to the system are under consideration.

Planning staff also provided an update on the progress of new subdivision regulations. Future discussions will focus on technical design requirements, including landscape buffers, street cross-sections, and sidewalk placement. These topics, along with the city’s new engineering manual, will be reviewed at an upcoming public work session.

City leaders said the moratorium and upcoming regulatory changes are part of a broader effort to guide growth more carefully. Officials aim to ensure that development continues in a way that supports residents and the city’s infrastructure.