FAIRHOPE, Alabama—The Baldwin County Planning Department has determined that Dorgan’s Inn, the film site of a popular TV show now airing, is violating zoning laws by operating a business in a residential area, its director said Friday.

The location gained notoriety this year as a primary film location for the first season of County Music Television’s hit show, “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Complaints filed by a Point Clear organization and resident contend that property owned by William and Patricia Dorgan in Point Clear is zoned residential but is being used for a business operation. Vince Jackson, the county's planning director, stated this morning that he expected his department would issue a

written opinion in the case by tomorrow afternoon.“I met with Mr. Dorgan and his attorney and explained my decision to them,” Jackson said last Friday. “Mr. Dorgan asked to send a letter objecting to my conclusion, which I am waiting on before issuing my decision."All 22 female contenders in the reality-based TV show, who are vying for the affections of bachelor Tribble Reese, resided at the Point Clear location during second-season filming in August and September. The name of Dorgan’s Inn has been noted on screen during the first three airings of the show.

“The Dorgans operate an extremely active and varied commercial business, including wedding events, television/film productions, dinners, luncheons, parties and reunions,” the Sept. 26 complaint by the Point Clear Property Owners Association stated. “The frequency and number of attendees at these events has increased significantly within the last several years.”

The Dorgans can appeal the forthcoming county determination that they are running a business on property zoned residential to a local zoning board, Jackson said,