The Land Use Plan was developed in close concert with the Major Streets Plan and the Water and Sewer Plans. Development trends, future transportation patterns, critical environmental areas, and the physical features of the land within the study boundary were all carefully considered. Staff also studied annexation trends. The layering of this information resulted in a likely land use scenario for the Auburn growth boundary area (see Figure 11). Residential densities, large-scale commercial development, commercial nodes servicing neighborhoods, potential parks, and suitable industrial areas were all identified in this land use plan.

Notable changes in the southwest area of the study boundary begin with the Interstate 85 corridor. It is anticipated that dense commercial development will continue at the South College Street interchange. South College will continue to experience commercial construction with high-density residential projects in close proximity. The Auburn Technology Parks – South and North – will expand the current industrial base.

A likely Interstate interchange at Beehive Road will alter the land uses at that location considerably. A dense commercial node will develop to service anticipated traffic. Beehive Road will experience considerable commercial and industrial development.

A large area was identified for industrial development straddling the Lee County /Macon County line between Wire Road and Interstate 85. This area’s topography, access, and the relative ease with which utilities can be provided make it a prime location for industrial uses. The siting of several major industries in this area may make necessary the expansion of the Vaughans Mill Road Interstate overpass to include on and off-ramps. This possible expansion would result in another major commercial node along Interstate 85.

Likely park locations have been indicated along Wire Road and South College Street consistent with the Auburn 2020 plan. Another possible park is illustrated along West Longleaf Lane.

The most striking feature in the northern area of the Study Boundary is the University property affected by Legislative Act 99-577. This area, some 5 ½ square miles, includes the University fisheries. As stated earlier, the City can annex properties through University-owned land that is adjacent to the City limits. This will no doubt lead to annexations for access to City utilities and schools.

The major thoroughfares in this area will experience substantial commercial development. Retail and office construction will take place along much of the frontage on on US Highway 280, East University Drive, and Shug Jordan Parkway. High-density residential developments will be distributed along these arterial roadways as well. The mall area will see continued commercial development and redevelopment. A large node of professional offices will surround the East Alabama Medical Campus and extend out North Dean Road past East University Drive to Shelton Mill Road.

Parks are likely in the area of Highway 280 and in the vicinity of North Donahue Drive.

For the most part, southeast Auburn will continue to grow in much the same fashion as it is presently. Low-density residential construction will dominate the area defined by Sandhill, Ogletree, Society Hill and Moores Mill Roads. This type of construction is ideal for the long-term protection of the City’s principle watershed, Lake Ogletree. The quarry south of Chewacla State Park will likely become a City water reservoir for the long term. This watershed will see similar low-density development.

The commercial node at the intersection of Ogletree and Moores Mill Road will continue to develop. It is also likely that the intersection of Moores Mill and Society Hill Roads will see an expansion of the existing commercial node.

Large properties will remain undeveloped in this area, contributing to the relative density. These parcels include the Mary Olive Thomas Experimental Forest, the Lake Ogletree property, and Chewacla State Park. It is likely that some portion of the Lake Wilmore property, located along Ogletree Road west of Longwood Drive, will become a City park.

Land uses in the western area of the study boundary will vary greatly from dense commercial development to very low-density residential. The predominant land use will be residential. While some medium densities are foreseen along the extension of West Longleaf Drive, most residential developments will realize lower densities.

Commercial frontage is foreseen for Wire Road between Webster Road and Chadwick Lane. The western extension of Longleaf Drive will also be a commercial corridor. Both arterial roads will be influenced by traffic resulting from the proposed Interstate interchanges.

A western expansion of the City’s industrial parks along Martin Luther King Drive is expected and likely park locations are noted along Martin Luther King Drive and Richland Road.

• Figure 1 - I-85 Corridor

• Figure 2 - Population Growth in Auburn

• Figure 3 - Growth Boundary Area

• Figure 4 - Future Wastewater System Improvements

• Figure 5 - Future Water System Improvements

• Figure 6 - Master Street Plan

• Figure 7 - Industrial Property/Jobs and Capital Investments

• Figure 8 - City of Auburn Workforce 1997

• Figure 9 - City of Auburn Workforce 2020

• Figure 10 - Timber Company Holdings

• Figure 11 - Future Land Use

Return to top