FAIRHOPE — Fairhope City Council voted unanimously to extend the city's moratorium pausing new applications for certain housing developments for at least the next 120 days.

Originally approved in February, the moratorium implemented a temporary halt to any new specified development applications for at least the next nine months, specifically multiple occupancy project applications that contain three or more residential units and subdivision applications containing three or more residential lots smaller than 10,500 square feet per lot.

The moratorium was initially set to expire on Nov. 19. However, city leaders on Monday decided to extend the pause in order to give them more time to further evaluate and implement proposed amendments to the city's zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations.

The pause of apartment/condo and other applications is part of efforts by city officials to try and slow down Fairhope's rapid growth in recent years. In its agenda, the city said the significant growth in the area has "increased the burden on public utilities, roads and other infrastructure as well as the health, safety and general welfare of the community."

When Councilman Joshua Gammon asked why 120 days specifically, Councilman Jimmy Conyers said they have to take into account how long it will take them to make changes to the city's zoning and subdivision regulations, a process that requires additional notice, advertisement and a public hearing before adoption under state law. They previously considered a 90-day extension but decided on a longer time frame due to the upcoming holiday season potentially interfering with advertising and scheduling.

"Let's take the 120 days and do exactly what we need to do so we are not in this situation again," Gammon said. "Whatever happens, let's make sure everybody is involved, we have the right communication, and everything is where it should be."

With the extension, the moratorium now lasts until March 19, 2026. Council President Jack Burrell also expressed a possibility that the moratorium could be extended even longer if the city determines they are not ready at the end of the 120-day window agreed upon in the extension.