Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 3/17/2026
Item Status: New
From: Jay Dickson, Planning Director
Submitted by: Brenda Brock, Planning Technician
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ITEM TITLE
Title
Authorization to Initiate Draft Amendments to Baldwin County Zoning Ordinance
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize Planning and Zoning staff to draft proposed amendments to the Baldwin County Zoning Ordinance concerning utility-scale solar farms, data centers, conditional use permits, and other minor updates as needed.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: Nationally, the development of data centers and utility-scale solar farms is accelerating in response to emerging technologies and increasing demand for renewable energy production. Recent trends indicate that similar development interest is beginning to occur within Baldwin County. Within the past two years, a utility-scale solar facility was developed within the municipal limits of Foley. More recently, there has been significant public discussion regarding a proposed utility-scale solar facility in an unzoned portion of the County near the community of Stockton.
While the County does not have jurisdiction to regulate land uses within unzoned areas, it is reasonable to anticipate additional proposals for solar energy facilities and/or data center developments in the future. Accordingly, it is prudent to ensure that the County’s Zoning Ordinance adequately addresses these emerging land uses within the zoned portions of Baldwin County through updated standards and regulations.
Planning and Zoning staff have also identified several needed modifications to the conditional use permitting procedures in order to improve the administration and oversight of land uses permitted through the conditional use process. Additionally, staff has identified several minor amendments to clarify existing provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. These revisions would be addressed as part of the proposed amendment package.
Section 19.3 of the Baldwin County Zoning Ordinance states that amendments to the Zoning Ordinance may be initiated: (a) By a motion of the County Commission; or (b) By a motion of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Previous Commission action/date: 05/20/2025 - Adopted Resolution #2025-111 which approved amendments to the official Baldwin County Zoning Map and Baldwin County Zoning Ordinance.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: N/A
Budget line item(s) to be used: N/A
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents? No
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: N/A
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Planning and Zoning staff
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Planning and Zoning staff to begin drafting Zoning Ordinance updates and schedule public hearings in accordance with Zoning Ordinance regulation and Alabama State Law.
Additional instructions/notes: N/A