Jonathan Cottis

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several agenda items following a public hearing for each, though no members of the public spoke. The Commission granted preliminary approval for the Replat Foley Beach Express West Industrial Park, Phase 2, which encompasses approximately 114 acres. A request regarding Zoning Ordinance Amendments was postponed pending the completion of the Comprehensive Plan. Subsequently, the Commission voted to approve the proposed Comprehensive Plan. Finally, the Commission approved the 2026 By-Laws and nominated the current Chairman and Vice Chairman to serve as the 2026 officers.

The meeting agenda included new business regarding a request from Yawdie, LLC - A Taste of Home (represented by Duane Besentie) to install two wall signs at their location in the National & Local District. The monthly discussion focused on the Main Street Alabama Grant concerning Asphalt Art initiatives.

The Planning Commission meeting involved several agenda items requiring action or discussion. Key topics included the site plan approval for Ephraim Self Storage with specified conditions, and a request to carry over the Resubdivision of Lot 7 Foley Crossroads Subdivision to the next meeting. The Commission approved the Resubdivision of Lot 3 Palmetto Place, contingent upon conditions related to road maintenance and lot detention. Preliminary approval was granted for the South Juniper Townhomes project, despite resident concerns regarding tree removal, building height, and stormwater runoff mitigation, subject to staff conditions on turn lanes and building pad elevations. The Commission recommended proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments to the Mayor and Council, noting the importance of infrastructure, education management by the County Board of Education, and economic diversity through place types. Finally, the Subdivision Regulation Amendments were approved with the specific omission of the fencing requirement for stormwater areas in Section 5, G, 7.

The meeting included discussion and a motion to approve the applicant's request to carry over a variance request regarding accessory structure placement to the next month's meeting. The board also approved the 2026 Deadline-Meeting calendar.

The meeting included discussion and approval of the Shadow Lakes Apartments site plan, with considerations for existing water and sewer infrastructure. An item regarding Zoning Ordinance Amendments was withdrawn from the agenda. The 2026 meeting and deadline calendar was approved. The new City Engineer was announced, and the new Director of Public Projects and the returning Environmental Manager were introduced.