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The Atmore City Council adopted an ordinance amending the current zone ordinances for annexed properties located along Highways 21 and 31 in the westernmost city limit during its regular meeting on Monday.

The amendment will zone annexed properties located along Highway 21 from approximately Brushy Creek to the Rivercane Development to a B-2 general business designation. According to the city agenda, all newly annexed properties with a current use, which is non-conforming to the B-2 general business designation will be allowed to continue their non-conforming use. Additionally, the amendment annexed properties located along Highway 31 at the westernmost city limit to a M-2 general industrial designation.

Prior to the city council’s adoption of the amended ordinance, a public hearing was held for approximately 40 minutes.

City Code Enforcement Officer Greg Vaughn said the amended ordinance changes the zoning use map, and what it states the areas are, zone wise.

He said it’s been more than two years ago since the annexation occurred, and includes properties to be labeled under the B-2 and M-2 labels.

Vaughn said the annexation runs from Brushy creek north to Rivercane, and is one to two properties deep.

Vaughn said the planning commission made the recommendation for both property labels.

He added from April 17-23, letters were sent to more than 50 parcels for notification of the amendment.

“This will become final by the final publication in the newspapers,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn said those properties that are already in use are grandfathered into the amended ordinance.

Residents who live along the Highway 21 annexed properties shared their thoughts on what the amended ordinance.

One resident asked what the amended ordinance will do to the value of the land.

City Attorney Larry Wettermark said the value will increase.

Another resident asked about the extension of sewage lines to the annexed lands.

Officials said at the meeting the annexed properties don’t include utility lines.

In other business, the city:

• adopted resolution 2025-08, authorizing the offer of a monetary reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons committing violent crimes in the city of Atmore. Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks said the reward is for up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a criminal. The ordinance is effective immediately;
• adopted resolution 2025-09, authorizing the purchase of vehicles off the state bid list for police department use;
• approved a bus stop service agreement between the city of Atmore and Greyhound Lines Inc and Flixbus Inc. Flixbus is the parent company of Greyhound. The Atmore stop will be a part of a service from Mobile to Birmingham, and is a curbside pick up and drop off. The location is next to the old train depot, and stop times are 7:50 a.m. and 8:23 p.m. daily;
• approved the use of Houston Avery Park for a family gathering on July 19 at 2 p.m.; and,
• Mayor Jim Staff read a proclamation for National Public Works Week from May 18-24.