FAIRHOPE, Alabama—Baldwin County’s planning director ruled Friday that the owner of Dorgan’s Inn has violated local zoning laws by operating a wedding and event business on residential property in Point Clear.

Planning Director Vince Jackson’s letter to property owner William J. Dorgan ordered that all commercial activities related to the wedding and event business must end within 30 days.

“They strongly disagree with this conclusion and believe that it was made in an arbitrary and capricious fashion,” Chad Marchand, attorney for William and Patricia Dorgan, stated in prepared remarks released today. “The Dorgans intend on appealing the ruling.”

Dorgan’s Inn gained prominence this summer and fall as a primary film site for Country Music Television’s hit show “Sweet Home Alabama.”

All 22 bachelorettes vying for the affections of former Clemson quarterback Tribble Reese stayed at the Point Clear location during August and September filming there. The next episode of the reality-based TV show airs Friday.

The Dorgans have 30 days to appeal the determination to a county zoning board, according to the Nov. 18 letter, and can also petition to have the property rezoned as a business district.

A local resident and property owners' association filed complaints against the Dorgans for conducting a commercial operation in a residentially zoned area, leading to last week's decision.

See the Nov. 29 edition of The Fairhope Courier for further detail on this story.