HB739 Summary

• Planning commission composition changed to nine regular members appointed by Baldwin County Commission for four-year terms, with at least one member allowed to reside within a municipality in the county.

• Planning commission jurisdiction expanded to all unincorporated areas of Baldwin County with provisions allowing automatic rezoning of undeveloped or agricultural land to single-family use upon owner request.

• District formation process modified to require a two-year waiting period (increased from one year) before a rejected petition can be refiled, with detailed procedures for petition certification and district elections.

• Board of adjustment membership restricted to no more than one member directly engaged in real estate sales, development, or construction (changed from 25 percent), with boards composed of at least one member from each planning district within their jurisdiction.

• Setback protections enacted prohibiting Baldwin County Commission or Planning Commission from imposing new or more restrictive front, side, rear, or wetland setback requirements on lots in previously approved subdivisions after June 15, 1973.