CULLMAN, Ala. – The City of Cullman Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended zoning changes that would prohibit new detached single-family homes in R-4 residential districts and approved two short-form subdivision requests.
The commission forwarded a favorable recommendation on Ordinance No. 2026-43 to the Cullman City Council, which will hold another public hearing before taking final action.
Planning Commission Chairman Michael Sullins reminded those attending that the commission could only make a recommendation on the proposed amendment.
“Our job on that particular item is to make a favorable or unfavorable recommendation to the city,” Sullins said. “The Planning Commission does not approve or deny ordinances.”
The amendment would prohibit new detached single-family housing in R-4 districts. It would also update setback requirements and descriptions for R-1 and R-4 zoning, including detached single-family design quality standards, according to Sullins.
Sullins said the changes could affect city department workloads, economic growth and the physical appearance of the city. He also noted that the Commission and City Council plan to update Cullman’s master plan with input from residents and surrounding areas.
No one spoke for or against the amendment during the public hearing.
The commission issued its favorable recommendation following support from Commissioners Jay Page and Elizabeth Gray.
Commissioners also approved a request from Murphy Oil USA to combine and divide three existing parcels under common ownership into two lots.
Murphy Oil USA will continue to occupy Lot 1, while Lot 2 will remain available for future commercial development.
No one spoke for or against the request during its public hearing. The request was approved following a motion and second from Commissioners Cheryl Harrison and Gary Pitzing.
The commission also approved Ben Harrison’s request to divide six parcels on Third Street Southeast into two parcels.
City departments reported no issues with the proposal. The building department determined that both proposed lots would meet the minimum size requirements for the zoning district.
The request was approved following a motion and second from Gray and Commissioner Blake Bright. Cheryl Harrison abstained from the vote.
The commission approved the minutes from its July 7 meeting before beginning the public hearings.
The City of Cullman Planning Commission will next meet Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 5:30 p.m. in the Cullman City Hall auditorium.
