Orange Beach Makes Audacious Moves to Control Growth

Long renowned for its breathtaking beaches and tight-knit community, Orange Beach, Alabama, is expanding quickly. Public services and infrastructure are under strain as a result of the growing educational system and thriving tourism sector, which continue to draw new residents.

The Orange Beach City Council has implemented a nine-month embargo on major residential developments in order to address these issues. While maintaining the city's standard of living, this halt enables officials to evaluate future growth.

Infrastructure and Development in Balance

The embargo does not apply to condominium projects on the beach, but it does apply to major subdivisions and multi-family housing.

"It is a dilemma for all of us," Mayor Tony Kennon remarked. "We support property rights, but maintaining a high standard of living and lowering taxes are our top priorities."

Similar moratoriums have already been implemented by Fairhope, Daphne, and other Baldwin County cities, while Gulf Shores has tightened its permitting regulations.

The Unprecedented Growth of Baldwin County

Alabama's fastest-growing county is still Baldwin County. "We will always be playing catch-up if we do not check," Kennon said. "We must move forward and assess our infrastructure."

In order to assist, the city will hire a company to evaluate the effects of future development on public services, utilities, and roads.

De-annexation as a Growth Management Strategy

In order to control growth, the city is also thinking about de-annexation, or shrinking its borders. Lawsuits alleging the city is barring lower-income citizens from attending its schools have been triggered by this initiative; officials refute the allegations.

According to Kennon, the goal of de-annexation is to keep infrastructure expenses under control. School additions could cost tens of millions more than the city's sewage expansion, which alone could cost $40–60 million.

Keeping Services Up Without Increasing Taxes

Within five years, 7,000 more homes could be built in Orange Beach. Unchecked expansion, Kennon emphasized, may result in higher taxes or fewer services.

He stated, "We want to retain services and keep taxes down." "Everyone's quality of life will suffer if we do nothing now."

Growth Obstacles in Baldwin County

Rapid expansion is causing problems for other cities as well. While Foley has managed expansion through impact fees and infrastructure rules, resulting in a 70% decrease in new dwelling permits, Fairhope implemented its third construction freeze in nine years.

Gazing Ahead

Orange Beach officials view this as an essential step, even though moratoriums are uncommon there. "There will be serious repercussions if we do nothing," Kennon cautioned. "To safeguard our city's future, we must take immediate action."

Orange Beach seeks to strike a balance between sustainable growth and maintaining the allure and livability of its neighborhood as Baldwin County continues its fast expansion.