CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council met Monday, Nov. 17, and moved through a full agenda that included a moratorium on new R-4 residential developments.
Resolution 2026-36 establishes a temporary moratorium on new R-4 residential development in the city of Cullman. The resolution cites rapid and substantial growth that has increased demands on municipal services, infrastructure and public safety.
City officials will use the moratorium period, which may last up to one year, to review subdivision regulations, zoning ordinances and development policies. Any R-4 projects approved before Nov. 17 are grandfathered and may proceed.
City Zoning defines R-4 as “Single-Family and Multifamily Residential District,” and says, “The purpose of the R-4 District is to protect existing and enable development of new single-family and multifamily residential areas at high densities along with nonresidential uses customary to such neighborhoods.”
R-4 zoning generally allows higher-density residential development such as townhomes, duplexes and small multiunit buildings. The moratorium pauses new R-4 applications while the City evaluates growth impacts on infrastructure, utilities, traffic, first responders and long-term planning.
Special event request for New Year’s Eve
The council approved a special event request from Kela LePre of Traditions Bank for a New Year’s Eve celebration on Dec. 31, from 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at 109 Second Ave. NW. The application reports plans for live music, a drone display, food vendors and alcohol service.
Attendance is estimated between 500 and 5,000 people. Street closures include Third Avenue Northwest between Harrison Street Northwest and First Street West, along with Harrison Street Northwest, First Street West and Dripping Springs Road Northwest. Five police officers were requested for event coverage.
Committee reports
Councilmembers Chuck Shikle, David Moss, Jason Willoughby, Paul Schaffer and Kim Hall delivered their routine reports, along with Mayor Woody Jacobs.
WildWater lazy river concrete testing
The council approved Resolution 2026-37 authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with Terracon Consultants, Inc. for inspections and testing at the WildWater Lazy River project. Professional services are capped at $40,000 and cover structural testing and verification during construction.
Downtown streetscape change order
Resolution 2026-38 rejected a proposed $38,000 change order to replace asphalt with concrete and approved Change Order No. 3 for $9,000 to add seven junction boxes and two inlet units.
The adjustment raises the total streetscape contract with Bulls Construction Group to $1,173,051.
The project includes improvements along Fourth Avenue Southwest from U.S. Highway 278 to Fourth Street Southwest and west to Fifth Avenue Southwest.
Police vehicle purchase
Resolution 2026-39 awards the bid for a four-wheel-drive crew cab work truck for the Cullman Police Department to Bill Smith Buick GMC for $49,110.50. Additional bids ranged up to $61,500, with several dealerships declining to submit proposals.
Contract and personnel ordinance updates
The council suspended the rules to advance three ordinances for first reading and approval.
- Ordinance 2026-09 creates Section 2-102, requiring city council approval for any contract binding the city and mandating compliance with state competitive bid and public works laws
- Ordinance 2026-10 creates Section 2-103, authorizing the mayor to execute contracts approved by the council and to implement them without altering cost, scope or terms without further council action
- Ordinance 2026-11 creates Section 26-1, establishing posting, hiring and classification requirements for all municipal positions. It emphasizes transparency, equal opportunity, pay equity and budget authorization for all positions.
Annexations on County Road 490 and Loch Avenue
Two annexation ordinances were introduced for first reading.
- Ordinance 2026-12 annexes 19.37 acres owned by Unconquered Homes LLC on County Road 490 as R-1 Residential
- Ordinance 2026-13 annexes Lot 15 of Loch Landing Subdivision, owned by Eric and Erin Goodrich, as R-1 Residential
Both annexations received favorable recommendations from the City of Cullman Planning Commission.
Public hearing set for Cullman Christian School rezoning
A public hearing was set for Jan. 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. on a request from Cullman Christian School to rezone property at 1803 Beech Ave. SE from M-1 Manufacturing to B-3 Business. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval. The ordinance will be published twice before consideration as required by state law.
Next meetings
The Cullman City Council will meet again on Monday, Dec. 8, and Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Cullman City Hall. The meetings are open to the public and streamed live on the City of Cullman Facebook page.
