The planning and zoning district election for the proposed District 40 in Baldwin County will be held on Jan. 9 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

There are many unincorporated parts of Baldwin County, which means builders and developers are not subject to rules that determine land use and aesthetics.

If voters elect to come under a new zoning ordinance in a new district, individuals constructing new structures, such as houses, barns, or pools, or making additions to existing structures must first obtain site plan approval from the Planning and Zoning Department before applying for a building permit.

"Zoning, unlike the subdivision regulations, has the ability to evaluate how land is used and whether a proposed use is compatible with existing surrounding uses," Planning and Zoning Department Director Buford King said. "For example, recreational vehicle parks, mobile home parks and large residential subdivisions may be evaluated for their suitability in a particular location if they are proposed within an area that has zoning. Without zoning, the effect of the development on the community cannot be evaluated so long as the development complies with the technical standards for roadways and drainage."

"If you have an existing dwelling or business with no plans to expand the structure or change the use, you may not even realize you are zoned. Zoning may also affect you if there is a rezoning application for your district. If so, you will be able to attend the public hearings at the Planning Commission and County Commission meetings to voice your support or objection to that rezoning."

All registered voters residing in the proposed district — roughly around the Bon Secour area — were mailed a notice with the date, location of the polling place and the times the polling place is open. The notice also included a QR code and weblink to the Planning and Zoning Department's zoning election.
One item will be asked at the ballot box: Do the citizens desire or not desire for the proposed district to come under the Planning and Zoning jurisdiction of the Baldwin County Commission?

"A draft map and ordinance will not be proposed for the new Planning District 40 until and unless the citizens elect to come under the Planning and Zoning jurisdiction of the Baldwin County Commission," King said. "Citizens are encouraged to review the information located within the section titled 'Zoning in Baldwin County and how it affects me' on the Planning and Zoning page of the Baldwin County website. This section addresses many issues such as taxes, property rights, fees, and violations among many other issues related to zoning."