The Cullman City Council on Monday adopted Resolution 26-36, enacting a one-year moratorium on new R-4 residential development while city staff and the council review local building codes and related regulations.

Council discussion centered on preserving “the health, safety and general welfare” and making code changes to allow more orderly residential development. The council removed language that would have allowed the moratorium to extend “or more,” creating a firm one-year limit from the date of passage; the resolution also states that residential projects approved and permitted before the resolution’s passage will be grandfathered and exempt from the moratorium.

Supporters said the pause will give the building department time to consult with stakeholders and update code language to be clearer for developers and citizens. One council member summarized the resolution’s intent as allowing the city to review “regulations, codes, ordinances, policies and procedures pertaining to residential development” before further R-4 approvals.

The moratorium passed by voice vote after the council voted to strike the extension language and then adopt the resolution. City staff indicated they will work with the building department in the coming months to prepare recommended code changes for the council’s consideration.

The council did not set a specific date for returning with proposed ordinance amendments; the adopted resolution sets the moratorium period at up to one year, subject to council action to extend it if needed.