Beach vehicle permit ordinance changes

The amendment to the beach driving ordinance that the county commissioners will be considering on Jan. 12 is posted today on the Walton County Web site today, along with the meeting agenda and other items. For those interested in the beach driving issue, hopefully this link should take you to the proposed amendment: http://www.co.walton.fl.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1787.
The meeting starts at 4 p.m. at the South Walton Annex, and the public hearing on the amendment is listed for 4:25.

Do you have any thoughts on the proposed amendment? I'm not sure I like the whole "grandfathering" idea

Do you have any thoughts on the proposed amendment? I'm not sure I like the whole "grandfathering" idea

It's nice of you to ask, and I assume you're asking me, but I think I'm better off staying neutral on that issue, especially since I'm a reporter. However, I'll be very interested to see what opinions others in the community will have.

Do I read this correctly?

It sounds like there will be no new permits issued, only renewals. If so, I don't care for it. I am a full-time resident who previously had a permit, now expired. Would like the opportunity in the future to get another.

That's the way I read it. If you haven't got one now, you won't be able to get one in the future. Moreover, if you have one now and you let it expire it will go away and you won't be able to get it back.
Doesn't seem very fair to me.

I agree - why should an out of state visitor be allowed to have a permit when a full time resident can't?

Especially since part of the reason it is being reviewed is because of the large number of vehicles on the beach during the TOURIST season and the large number of permit holders from one residence!

IMO limiting it to FL residents & landowners for new permits and grandfathering in existing ones (and limiting it to a max of 2 permits per household for both) is much fairer.

I agree - why should an out of state visitor be allowed to have a permit when a full time resident can't?

Especially since part of the reason it is being reviewed is because of the large number of vehicles on the beach during the TOURIST season and the large number of permit holders from one residence!

IMO limiting it to FL residents & landowners for new permits and grandfathering in existing ones (and limiting it to a max of 2 permits per household for both) is much fairer.

Out of state visitors are not allowed permits. Walton county property owners who live out of the county are if there is a dwelling on their property and if they currently hold a permit.

That's what I meant.

Rephrase:

Why should an out of state second home owner (or their renters) be able to get a permit when a full time Walton County resident cannot?

That's what I meant.

Rephrase:

Why should an out of state second home owner (or their renters) be able to get a permit when a full time Walton County resident cannot?

It is a point of contention. In this "grandfather" scenario they are attempting to allow the non-residents who currently have permits to renew them, rather than cut them off entirely. No doubt some non-resident families who have a long-time home here, especially in Grayton, are being given consideration.

It will be interesting to see how Grayton residents and non-resident owners react. I believe most feel that they should be granted a permit no matter what. But many also would like to see the number of permits dwindle. And then there are those who wouldn't mind having no vehicles on the beach at all.

IMO limiting it to FL residents & landowners for new permits and grandfathering in existing ones (and limiting it to a max of 2 permits per household for both) is much fairer.

This sounds like a fair alternative to me.

If they still feel the need for a cap on the total number of permits, it would seem fair to let new permits come from the count of expired and non-renewed ones. FIFO waiting list for those. Priority for full-time resident/owners in some way, but not to exclude vacation home owners.

so if i don't have one now am i allowed to get one tommorrow before the meeting?i own property but have never got one

I would like an uber-fine for the people who take total advantage of the system- like the car I keep seeing around town with the sticker affixed to a magnet- and the magnet slapped on the front side door. Nice job- did it come with your rental?

so if i don't have one now am i allowed to get one tommorrow before the meeting?i own property but have never got one

I wondered the same thing. I don't see why not.

I would like an uber-fine for the people who take total advantage of the system- like the car I keep seeing around town with the sticker affixed to a magnet- and the magnet slapped on the front side door. Nice job- did it come with your rental?

As you are aware, it has to be permanently affixed. Not sure what would happen if a deputy saw it on the beach. Also, the actual permit is a printout that must be kept in the vehicle. It must match the vehicle ID and the owner or other designated driver.

does any household need more than 1?