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

  • All Listings
Sort by:
New
23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 227, Orange Beach

$365,000

23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 227, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 808 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386558

RE/MAX of Orange Beach PHONE: 251-504-1121

23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 161, Orange Beach

$364,375

↓ $5,500

23044 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 161, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 808 SqFt Residential MLS® # 372909

Sull'Acqua Realty, LLC PHONE: 850-549-9656

26115 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 7b, Orange Beach

$364,000

↓ $25,000

26115 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 7b, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 1,040 SqFt Residential MLS® # 368053

RE/MAX of Gulf Shores

25805 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 218, Orange Beach

$359,900

↓ $20,000

25805 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 218, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 880 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376166

RE/MAX Gulf Properties

29587 Canal Road, Orange Beach

$359,000

29587 Canal Road, Orange Beach

3 Beds 2 Baths 863 SqFt Residential MLS® # 384863

Century 21 J Carter & Company CELL: 251-979-9781

New
28888 Canal Road Unit 75, Orange Beach

$359,000

28888 Canal Road Unit 75, Orange Beach

0 Beds 1 Bath 275 SqFt Residential MLS® # 386600

Toes N Sand Properties LLC

25861 Canal Road Unit 78, Orange Beach

$355,500

↓ $3,000

25861 Canal Road Unit 78, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 650 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376079

LPT Realty, LLC

4813 Washington Boulevard, Orange Beach

$355,000

4813 Washington Boulevard, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 381945

Gold Star Realty Group PHONE: 251-223-9134

29101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 111, Orange Beach

$354,900

↓ $10,000

29101 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 111, Orange Beach

1 Bed 1 Bath 570 SqFt Residential MLS® # 376467

Coldwell Banker Coastal Realty

New
5800 Pensacola Avenue, Orange Beach

$350,000

5800 Pensacola Avenue, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 386501

EXP Realty Seaside PHONE: 251-279-0099

New
5800 Pensacola Avenue, Orange Beach

$350,000

5800 Pensacola Avenue, Orange Beach

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 386500

EXP Realty Seaside PHONE: 251-279-0099

24535 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 307, Orange Beach

$350,000

↓ $9,000

24535 Perdido Beach Boulevard Unit 307, Orange Beach

2 Beds 2 Baths 890 SqFt Residential MLS® # 370664

Coldwell Banker Coastal Realty


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.