Orange Beach Proposes Zoning Amendment That Could Limit Density on Wetland Properties


By Meredith Amon

Orange Beach Alabama

 

The Orange Beach Planning Commission recently voted to recommend a zoning text amendment that would impact how developers calculate density and setbacks—specifically in areas that include wetlands. The proposed changes are now headed to the City Council for final consideration.

 

If approved, this amendment would exclude wetlands from being counted toward total acreage in density calculations. In other words, only upland (buildable) land would be used to determine how many units can be constructed on a property. Additionally, a 15-foot setback from all wetlands—defined in their natural, pre-development state—would be required. Wetland delineations would be confirmed by the Army Corps of Engineers and approved by the City of Orange Beach

Contact Meredith Amon Gulf Coast Realtor

What This Means for Property Owners and Developers

1. Reduced Buildable Density on Certain Lots

Lots with substantial wetland coverage may see a reduction in the number of homes or units that can be built. If you previously calculated development potential using total acreage (including wetlands), you may need to revisit those numbers.

 

2. Impact on Lot Values

Wetland-heavy lots may decrease in value due to reduced buildable area.

Upland-rich lots could become more desirable, especially those that meet the new setback requirements without sacrificing too much space.

Investors and builders will likely re-evaluate pricing models based on the net usable acreage, not just total parcel size.

 

3. Design and Planning Shifts

Site plans may need to be adjusted to accommodate the new 15-foot setback. This can affect not only lot layout but also infrastructure planning, such as roads, driveways, and utilities.

 

4. More Predictability, Less Gray Area

Clear guidelines can be helpful for long-term planning. While the amendment may limit density, it also provides a more consistent, environmentally mindful framework that protects coastal ecosystems.

 

I understand how zoning changes like this can affect the big picture—investment strategies, lot pricing, and even resale value. If you own land that may be impacted or are considering a purchase, let’s have a conversation. I’ll help you navigate your options with confidence.

#searchthegulf #meredithamon #becausewelivehere

SEARCH ORANGE BEACH REAL ESTATE LISTINGS FOR SALE, Over $1,000,000

Sort by:
26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1605, Orange Beach

$1,950,000

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1605, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 1,963 SqFt Residential MLS® # 379132

RE/MAX Paradise

23008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1005, Orange Beach

$1,949,000

23008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1005, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,090 SqFt Residential MLS® # 378196

World Impact Real Estate

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2401, Orange Beach

$1,925,000

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2401, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 1,963 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384067

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1901, Orange Beach

$1,925,000

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1901, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 1,963 SqFt Residential MLS® # 382042

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 505, Orange Beach

$1,900,000

↓ $99,500

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 505, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 1,965 SqFt Residential MLS® # 377254

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

32438 River Road, Orange Beach

$1,900,000

32438 River Road, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 355724

J & J Realty, LLC

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2001, Orange Beach

$1,899,500

↓ $45,500

26688 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2001, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 1,963 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383512

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

23008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1908, Orange Beach

$1,899,500

↓ $10,500

23008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 1908, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,090 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381759

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180

5032 Certain Circle, Orange Beach

$1,899,000

5032 Certain Circle, Orange Beach

6 Beds 5 Baths 3,536 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384878

Kaiser Sotheby's Int-GS PHONE: 251-752-7345

26142 Marina Road, Orange Beach

$1,895,000

26142 Marina Road, Orange Beach

3 Beds 5 Baths 3,033 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384655

Bellator Real Estate, LLC Beck

31899 River Road, Orange Beach

$1,895,000

31899 River Road, Orange Beach

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,424 SqFt Residential MLS® # 381765

Butler & Co. Real Estate LLC

23008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2404, Orange Beach

$1,875,000

23008 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 2404, Orange Beach

4 Beds 4 Baths 2,090 SqFt Residential MLS® # 383642

Brett R/E Robinson Dev OB Main: 251-981-6180


Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction Meredith Amon Gulf CoastNew Construction
Orange Beach and Ono Island Real Estate Market Update with Meredith Folger
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 16, 2025

Orange Beach and Ono Island Real Estate Market Update with Meredith Folger


Orange Beach Real Estate Market Update
 
I’ve pulled together a quick, data-forward update using the latest inventory-to-sales ratios and recent municipal actions that affect our market. If you’re watching homes on Ono Island — https://www.searchthegulf.com/ono-island/ — or considering a move anywhere…

Beverly Hills Placeholder
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 16, 2025

Ono Island’s Newest Listings For Sale: A Local Advisor’s Take

Boater’s Field Manual to Ono Island Canals — Bayou St. John Access, Depths & Dock Design
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 15, 2025

Boater’s Field Manual to Ono Island Canals — Bayou St. John Access, Depths & Dock Design

Ono Island’s Six Canals — Bayou St. John Waterfront Guide (Orange Beach, AL)
Meredith Folger Amon
By Meredith Folger Amon | October 15, 2025

Ono Island’s Six Canals — Bayou St. John Waterfront Guide (Orange Beach, AL)


Signup is free and takes only a few seconds

Ask A Question or Sign Up To See New Real Estate Listings Before Your Competition

When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent


Posted by Meredith Folger Amon on

Tags

Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.