OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER ONE-YEAR PLANNING MORATORIUM TO EVALUATE GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

OPELIKA, Ala. – The Opelika City Council will consider a proposed one-year Planning moratorium at its February 3, 2026, 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.