By BEN GRAFTON
Before a large crowd, the first order of business at the Walton County Planning Commission meeting of Dec. 11 was to continue two agenda items until later. The first of these, a major development order submitted by Emerald Coast Associates for a project in Rosemary Beach was continued until the regular meeting of Jan. 8, 2015. The second, a major development order submitted by Jenkins Engineering for a redesign of Chateau 30A was continued until a special meeting at 5 p.m. on Jan. 14 because a large crowd is expected.
The commission turned its attention to the draft of a proposed ordinance amending the Land Development Code to establish a review process, and criteria for temporary small scale mineral extraction operations (borrow pits). Requirements for disposal of excess material from these operations is also included.
Dale and Chester Carter addressed the commission with concern that the excavation ordinance would prevent a 15-foot-deep pond on their property. In discussion it was determined that the project described by the Carters would be permitted under different regulations and that the proposed ordinance would not apply to their project.
The commission voted to recommend approval of the ordinance to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for property north of Interstate 10 for excavations up to 12.5 percent of the parcel where excavation takes place. Permits would require a bond to assure proper cleanup and closure. Persons who have prior code violations would be denied permits..
Another ordinance amending the Land Development Code to adopt the Grayton Beach Neighborhood Plan as an overlay district was presented. The purpose of the Plan is to, “…preserve the unique heritage of the Grayton Beach neighborhood.” Absentee property owners would enjoy the benefits provided to other owners under the Plan including permitted vehicle access to the beach. More than 90 percent of residents and business owners of Grayton Beach were reported to have approved the proposed ordinance in a referendum. Provisions of the proposed ordinance would pass on to future owners. Non-residents of Grayton Beach object to proposed changes because they seem to favor Grayton Beach owners over owners of properties in other beach communities. After discussion the commission approved sending the proposed ordinance on to the BCC recommending approval.
The last item on the agenda was a major development order application for The Regal at Seagrove. This application asks for approval to build a four-story, 31- unit residential condominium on 3.92 acres with a future land use of Neighborhood Infill. Construction will be north of the Coastal Construction Line. The property is located one mile east of the intersection of CR-395 and CR-30A. The commission voted to send the draft ordinance with staff recommendations on to the BCC with a recommendation for approval.
