November 22, 2025

Orange Beach Approves 9-Month Extension for Moratorium on Multifamily Construction

By: Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

November 22, 2025

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. The City of Orange Beach has approved putting a hold on any further high-density subdivisions or apartments.
After suspending the rules for immediate consideration, Orange Beach unanimously approved extending its moratoriums on certain multifamily and wetland developments for another nine months.

Both moratoriums were set to expire by the end of this year. Both will now expire, unless extended further, by Sept. 30, 2026.

Like other cities experiencing rapid growth, many in area communities have concerns about environmental issues and the inability of cities to keep up with the demand on city amenities such as water, utilities, and public safety.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon said the city plans to first focus on finding a solution to the wetland moratorium, which imposed a pause on development on and within 15 feet of all wetlands.

“When it comes to the wetlands, we’d like to move quicker and try to get that issue settled sooner rather than later,” he said, “but the multifamily issue may take some time to sort out all the cost that goes along with possible density changes.”

According to the agenda item for both requests, a comprehensive study is underway by the city that consists of a visioning and strategic plan, comprehensive plan, zoning ordinance update and infrastructure evaluation for future growth study.

The extensions are to allow the council to have additional time for the completion of the study and to review and consider amendments to city ordinances to address concerns relating to density and impacts of growth on city development, services, and infrastructure.

The moratoriums do not effect single family homes or commercial building projects.