Moratorium would pause certain new residential approvals and more
OPELIKA -The Opelika City Council will consider a proposed one-year
Planning moratorium at its Feb. 3, meeting as part of a proactive
effort to evaluate the city’s rapid residential growth and ensure infrastructure
keeps pace with development.
City officials emphasize the moratorium is intended to provide time for a
comprehensive review of transportation networks, sewer and utility capacity,
school impacts, public safety services and other critical infrastructure. During
the moratorium period, the city will also review and modernize existing zoning
and building ordinances to ensure they reflect current growth patterns and
long-term community needs.
If approved, the moratorium would take effect May 1, 2026, and remain in
place through April 30, 2027. The temporary pause would apply to certain new
residential approvals, including upzoning requests, new preliminary
subdivision plats and new conditional use approvals for multi-family or mixed-
use developments. The moratorium would not affect projects already
approved, developments currently under construction, existing building
permits, or previously approved uses.
Opelika has experienced sustained residential growth in recent years. In 2025
alone, more than 2,000 new residential units were entitled. Currently, there
are more than 6,500 residential lots and more than 2,500 townhouse, multi-
family or mixed-use units that have already been approved and/or are in
various stages of planning or construction.
The proposed ordinance directs the Planning Commission, in coordination with
city staff and other departments, to conduct detailed studies, engage the
public and bring recommendations back to the City Council before the
moratorium expires.
City leaders stress the moratorium is a temporary, targeted tool designed to
protect the health, safety and quality of life of Opelika residents while
supporting orderly and sustainable growth.
The Feb. 3 City Council meeting will include an opportunity for public
comment. For more information, contact Leigh Krehling at lkrehling@opelika-
al.gov.
