By Kathy Ferniany
Sun Staff Writer

SPANISH FORT, Ala. — A zoning ordinance amendment regarding sewer and septic systems received unanimous approval at a special Planning Commission meeting Tuesday.

The zoning ordinance had stated that if sewer was reasonably available and septic tank systems fail, residents are required to get sewer.

The Planning Commission voted to amend the ordinance which will allow new developments of three acres or more to have the option of having sewer or septic systems if they meet the Board of Health regulations.

Resident Bill Hamman of Wayside Drive said residents need an option of have septic systems available because a septic system is less costly than sewer. If existing septic systems fail, they can be replaced as long as they meet Board of Health approval. Residents can have water wells with nonpotable water if they abide by government regulations.

In other Planning Commission news:

• A public hearing was held, and the request for final subdivision plat approval for Cambron Subdivision, Phase II, was given conditional approval.

The developers must provide a two-year maintenance bond for the road, as well as proof of payment for the lights, which must be supplied to Commissioner Bruce Renkert.

Renkert said the Commission was approving the subdivision even though there was some nonconformity as not all lots were zoned R-1. City Attorney David J. Conner said that since the existing subdivision had prior approval by the city of Daphne it would be approved since it recently annexed into the corporate limits of Spanish Fort.

“We are satisfied times on punch list have been addressed,” City Engineer Martin Pitts said.

Commissioner J. R. Smith said the developers have to meet ADEM requirements for detention ponds. Pitts said that the retention pond would be monitored for the next 12 months to make sure there are no problems, especially after big rain events.

• A public hearing was held for the preliminary and final subdivision plat approval for an I-10 Commerce Center extension and received approval from city planners. The Commerce Center is located behind the Eastern Shore Centre.

• A public hearing was held for a special exception zoning request, which would allow construction of a proposed water storage tower at I-10 Commerce Center Extension. The Spanish Fort Water System requested the special exception. The proposed water tower would be located north of Old Hwy. 31, across from the entrance to I-10 Commerce Center.

Renkert said letters were sent out to everyone living within 300 feet from the site. The date the letter was sent out was unavailable. Commissioner J.R. Smith questioned how many residents received the letter about the proposal because “people want to know what’s happening.”

A motion was approved to send a favorable recommendation to the Board of Adjustment.

• The Planning Commission will meet Monday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. for its regularly scheduled work session and meeting. The meeting will be held at the Gathering Place at Spanish Fort United Methodist Church at the Prodisee Center. n end of month work session will be held on Monday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. in the conference room at city hall.

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