FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The annual “public input” meeting of the Planning Commission will occur this Monday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m.

“The public input meeting will be for general public comments relating to planning and zoning issues that are relevant to the city of Fairhope,” according to records.

This one opportunity a year for citizens to comment generally on planning and zoning issues in Fairhope will follow the regular meeting of the Planning Commission, which starts at 5 p.m. in City Council chambers.

Two years ago the commission eliminated a monthly public participation item on its agenda, replacing it with the annual public input meeting.

The policy change was sharply criticized by some local residents as limiting public debate about important land development issues in the city.