Residents have an opportunity to give input later this month as Magnolia Springs Town Council considers establishing a new Planned Residential Development (PRD) zoning category aimed at guiding residential growth while preserving the community's natural character.

A public hearing for the proposed zoning ordinance amendment is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at Magnolia Springs New Town Hall, 12233 Magnolia Springs Highway.

The amendment would modify Zoning Ordinance 2010-06 by creating a Planned Residential Development district, a zoning classification intended to provide greater flexibility in neighborhood design while requiring significant protections for open space and environmentally sensitive areas.

According to the Town of Magnolia Springs, the proposed PRD district would apply exclusively to residential developments and would prohibit commercial uses within those projects. The ordinance would require developers to preserve between 50% and 70% of a property's open space, allowing homes to be clustered in designated areas while protecting wetlands, mature trees and other natural features.

Under the proposal, each development would also be required to submit a comprehensive Master Development Plan for review and approval by Magnolia Springs Town Council before construction could move forward.

Town officials say the proposed zoning district is intended to encourage high-quality residential neighborhoods while balancing future growth with environmental stewardship.

The July 28 public hearing will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the proposed ordinance, ask questions and offer comments before town council considers whether to adopt the amendment.

Written or verbal comments presented during the meeting will become part of the public record for the proposed zoning amendment.

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today.