GULF SHORES — Following suit of four other municipalities in Baldwin County, the City of Gulf Shores is set to discuss implementing a moratorium on new development applications while the city works on a comprehensive plan.

The item was on the agenda to go before city council at the Feb. 16 council meeting, but Mayor Robert Craft announced at the meeting that the city wanted to review more details of the moratorium before bringing it before council and the public.

"We decided that we're not ready to consider this at this point in time," he said. "So, we're going to delay it 'til the next cycle and do a little bit more homework to make sure we've got everything like we're supposed to have it."

The next work session the city is set to have will be March 2 at 4 p.m. in Gulf Shores City Hall at 1905 W. First St.

The resolution, if approved as it currently reads, would suspend new applications for zoning text amendments, rezonings, new planned unit developments and major subdivisions, according to the agenda item. The suspension would go into effect immediately if approved.

The suspension of applications would last for 12 months, but council can extend it by two additional periods of up to six months. It would coincide with the comprehensive plan, set to begin this year as the cost of the plan is included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

According to agenda documents, Gulf Shores has previously approved suspensions of applications, the most recent being in February 2022, which suspended site plan applications for six months while the zoning ordinance standards were amended.

The "pause on application acceptance is necessary" to allow the city to assess current conditions and future needs, evaluate current infrastructure, conduct environmental assessments, encourage resident discussion and "prevent hasty decisions that could lead to negative outcomes."

"A pause on development applications during the comprehensive planning process is a strategic tool that will allow council to manage growth responsibly, protect community interests and set a solid foundation for long-term success and resilience," the agenda item reads.

Other cities in Baldwin County currently under a moratorium include Fairhope, Foley, Orange Beach and Robertsdale.