The Magnolia Springs Town Council convened for a special Planning Commission meeting followed by a special Council meeting on Wednesday, April 17, to deliberate on the adoption of a moratorium concerning property subdivision.

The proposed moratorium, as explained by Magnolia Springs Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Joe Babington, stems from the commission's ongoing efforts to develop a new comprehensive plan for the town, as mandated by Alabama law.

"It's clear based on the surveys, town hall meetings and the other communications that there will be substantial revisions and updates to the present comprehensive plan and in addition, there will be substantial revisions and updates to the town's existing zoning ordinances in all likelihood as well as to the town's existing subdivision regulations," Babington said.

He continued, outlining the community's expressed aspirations for the new plan, which include safeguarding the quality of the Magnolia River, mitigating flooding risks, preserving the town's rural character, promoting green spaces and discouraging high-density, uniform and unimaginative subdivisions. Additionally, there is a desire to limit specific types of residential, industrial and commercial expansions, while simultaneously promoting responsible, conscientious growth in small-scale retail and commercial sectors.

"Those are the goals that are coming out of the survey results and the communications that have been expressed to the Planning Commission and that are in the process of being adopted into the new comprehensive plan," Babington said.

The proposed moratorium highlights its intention not to hinder family divisions, minor subdivisions or non-residential developments.

"The purpose of the moratorium," Babington stated, "is merely to give the Planning Commission and Town Council a window during which they can implement the wishes of the town residents and those in the ETJ by adopting new subdivision regulations and enhancing the zoning ordinances in accordance with the new comprehensive plan that's going to be hopefully adopted by September or October."

At the Planning Commission meeting, the resolution received approval for a Town Council vote. Subsequently, during the following Town Council meeting, Resolution 2024-11 was passed, promptly putting the moratorium into effect until December 31, 2024.