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Beauford

Beach Lover
Jun 23, 2015
126
76
THIS IS A BIG DEAL that will further LIMIT PUBLIC COMMENT!

On the agenda for tomorrow’s BCC meeting, July 11, 4PM South Walton Annex. Please contact your commissioners to express your concerns. I've attached their contact information below. Time is of the essence.

For those that were fighting the recent "Snappy Turtle" development in Seagrove, if this is adopted there would be no requirement for a public hearing. It could be a game changer for our community.

Proposed changes to the DEFINITIONS of MAJOR and MINOR DEVELOPMENTS. The stated rationale is to streamline the approval process but the real effect is LIMITING PUBLIC COMMENT because Minor developments DO NOT REQUIRE PUBLIC HEARINGS. See the agenda item below and the proposed Chapter 11 LDC verbiage.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 44.17-1002
Request for authorization to amend Major/Minor development application thresholds in Chapter 11 of the Walton County Land Development Code to streamline the development review process and make it more consistent with other local governments in our area, thereby reducing the time required to obtain most development orders in Walton County. Specific thresholds appear in Section 11.01.02.

Attachments:

LDC Chapter 11_rv14DRAFT


• Proposed Changes are:

B. Minor Development. A plan shall be designated as a minor development if it is not a development exempt from permit requirements pursuant to Section 11.00.01 of this Code; does not meet any criteria as set forth in the following subpart of this Section as a major development; and involves only:

1. A division of land into more than two parcels but fewer than 20 **(CHANGE to 50)** parcels;
2. Development of multi-family residential project of fewer than 30 **(CHANGE to 60)** dwelling units that does not involve platting;
3. Development of a non-residential project of less than 5,000 **(CHANGE to 50,000)** square feet of floor area;
4. Approval of technical plans for an affordable housing project that has been approved conceptually by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners.

C. Major Development. A plan shall be designated as a major development if it involves one or more of the following:

1. A division of land into 20 **(CHANGE to 50)** or more parcels;
2. Development of a multi-family residential project of 30
**(CHANGE to 60)** or more dwelling units;
3. Planned Unit Developments regardless of size.
4. Infill proposals other than minor replat/lot splits in the NPA’s.
5. Development of a nonresidential project involving 5,000 **(CHANGE to 50,000)** square feet;



William "Bill" Chapman (R), District 1 Commissioner - Vice-Chair

District Office:
9446 Rock Hill Road
Ponce de Leon, FL 32455

Office (850) 835-4860
Fax (850) 835-4836
chabill@co.walton.fl.us

Jeff Skipper
Commissioner's Aide
skijeff@co.walton.fl.us

Cecilia Jones (R), District 2 Commissioner, Chairwoman

District Office:
552 Walton Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Office (850) 892-4020
joncecilia@co.walton.fl.us

Evelyn Strickland
Executive Assistant
strevelyn@co.walton.fl.us

Melanie Nipper (R), District 3 Commissioner

District Office:
6570 US Hwy 90 West
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Office (850) 892-8474
Fax (850) 892-4204
nipmelanie@co.walton.fl.us

Susan MacDonald
Commissioner's Aide
macsusan@co.walton.fl.us

Sara Comander (R), District 4 Commissioner

District Office:
263 Chaffin Avenue
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Office (850) 835-4834
Fax (850) 951-0868
comsara@co.walton.fl.us

Melinda Wickham
Commissioner's Aide
wicmelinda@co.walton.fl.us

Tony Anderson (R), District 5 Commissioner

District Office:
70 Logan Lane
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Office (850) 231-2978
Fax (850) 231-3872
andtony@co.walton.fl.us

Laura Ekstrom
Commissioner's Aide
ekslaura@co.walton.fl.us
 

John G

Beach Fanatic
Jul 16, 2014
1,803
553
What's so wrong about government trying to silence the population?

:sarc:
 

coondog

Beach Lover
Apr 27, 2009
153
29
Since they couldn't get the Special Magistrate topic approved in time, this would appear to be a way to back door new development without any input and accomplish the same thing they were aiming for.
 

Danny Glidewell

Beach Fanatic
Mar 26, 2008
725
914
Glendale
Most of us understand that development is going to happen. In fact, without development the government would lack increased revenue to fund needed infrastructure and jobs for our citizens would not be created.

But we also understand that there is responsible development that enhances neighborhoods and respects the property rights of our neighbors as well as fitting in with our overall community. Good development fits with the available infrastructure

There is also unbridled, out-of-control development that harms the environment and hurts the neighborhood. Some developers do not follow the rules and others take advantage or archaic or poorly written development codes. Oftentimes these projects fly in the face of common sense and community spirit.

A right as old as our nation is the right to petition our government. County commissioners have a difficult job, but it is a job they sought and comes with great responsibilities. They are our representatives and were elected to do what is best for everyone concerned. Commissioners are responsible to uphold our codes and ordinances and protect and enhance our way of life. The only way to adequately do their job is to listen carefully to all viewpoints and all citizens.

While Walton County has seen its share of successes, we have also been victimized by poor decisions and various commissioners voting to not uphold their own Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. The proposed changes to Chapter 11 of the Land Development Code will impede our citizens from exercising their right to petition their government for a redress of grievances.

Who stands to benefit from these proposed changes? Certainly, developers will invest less time and money in the development process and will get development orders more quickly. Commissioners will have less to deal with on their bi-weekly agenda and will not be required to take the time needed to listen to public comments. But ordinary citizens will be uninformed of critical decisions that will affect their life’s investment. While developers stand to make a nice payday and commissioners have less to do, our neighborhoods will change and those directly affected will be denied input. That seems like a high price to pay to save wealthy investors a little money and commissioners a little time that they ran for office to spend in the first place.

I oppose this initiative. I believe that Walton County is a unique place and I really do not care what other jurisdictions do. I care about what is best for our citizens. I also care about keeping our way of life intact as much as possible and protecting the beauty and natural resources that drew so many of our citizens here in the first place. Listening to constituents is good for business and imperative if Walton County is to become the paradise that I believe is its destiny
 

Jim Tucker

Beach Fanatic
Jul 12, 2005
1,189
497
Same old story of developers trying to turn every place into every other place until it is like every other place. South Walton is unique and special - we all know it is a national treasure. It needs to be protected as good people have always done. Now is the time to make yourself heard.

We need careful and thoughtful progress to protect our special environment.
 

Beauford

Beach Lover
Jun 23, 2015
126
76
.... critical issue for our community that would change the definitions of MAJOR and MINOR DEVELOPMENTS.

The stated rationale is to "streamline the development review process" and "make it more consistent with other local governments in our area", but the real effect is LIMITING PUBLIC COMMENT because Minor developments DO NOT REQUIRE PUBLIC HEARINGS. And DO WE REALLY WANT TO BE LIKE OTHER COMMUNITIES IN OUR AREA?

Here what is needed, (1) write to your commissioners to express your concerns and (2) attend tonight’s meeting and plan to speak up. We need people to pack that room and speak up! We are at a critical time in this community and the passage of a change like this to the definitions could be a real game changer for those who want to have input into the workings of our government.

....

Here’s a copy of the notice from last night for your convenience:

>>THIS IS A BIG DEAL that will further LIMIT PUBLIC COMMENT!

On the agenda for tomorrow’s BCC meeting, July 11, 4PM South Walton Annex. Please contact your commissioners to express your concern. Time is of the essence.

Proposed changes to the DEFINITIONS of MAJOR and MINOR DEVELOPMENTS. The stated rationale is to "streamline the development review process" and "make it more consistent with other local governments in our area", but the real effect is LIMITING PUBLIC COMMENT because Minor developments DO NOT REQUIRE PUBLIC HEARINGS. See the agenda item below and the proposed Chapter 11 LDC verbiage. And DO WE REALLY WANT TO BE LIKE OTHER COMMUNITIES IN OUR AREA?

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES 44.17-1002
Request for authorization to amend Major/Minor development application thresholds in Chapter 11 of the Walton County Land Development Code to streamline the development review process and make it more consistent with other local governments in our area, thereby reducing the time required to obtain most development orders in Walton County. Specific thresholds appear
in Section 11.01.02.

Attachments: LDC Chapter 11_rv14DRAFT

• Proposed Changes are:

B. Minor Development. A plan shall be designated as a minor development if it is not a development exempt from permit requirements pursuant to Section 11.00.01 of this Code; does not meet any criteria as set forth in the following subpart of this Section as a major development; and involves only:

1. A division of land into more than two parcels but fewer than 20 **(CHANGE to 50)** parcels;
2. Development of multi-family residential project of fewer than 30 **(CHANGE to 60)** dwelling units that does not involve platting;
3. Development of a non-residential project of less than 5,000 **(CHANGE to 50,000)** square feet of floor area;
4. Approval of technical plans for an affordable housing project that has been approved conceptually by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners.

C. Major Development. A plan shall be designated as a major development if it involves one or more of the following:

1. A division of land into 20 **(CHANGE to 50)** or more parcels;
2. Development of a multi-family residential project of 30
**(CHANGE to 60)** or more dwelling units;
3. Planned Unit Developments regardless of size.
4. Infill proposals other than minor replat/lot splits in the NPA’s.
5. Development of a nonresidential project involving 5,000 **(CHANGE to 50,000)** square feet;

William "Bill" Chapman (R), District 1 Commissioner - Vice-Chair

District Office:
9446 Rock Hill Road
Ponce de Leon, FL 32455

Office (850) 835-4860
Fax (850) 835-4836
chabill@co.walton.fl.us

Jeff Skipper
Commissioner's Aide
skijeff@co.walton.fl.us

Cecilia Jones (R), District 2 Commissioner, Chairwoman

District Office:
552 Walton Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Office (850) 892-4020
joncecilia@co.walton.fl.us

Evelyn Strickland
Executive Assistant
strevelyn@co.walton.fl.us

Melanie Nipper (R), District 3 Commissioner

District Office:
6570 US Hwy 90 West
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Office (850) 892-8474
Fax (850) 892-4204
nipmelanie@co.walton.fl.us

Susan MacDonald
Commissioner's Aide
macsusan@co.walton.fl.us

Sara Comander (R), District 4 Commissioner

District Office:
263 Chaffin Avenue
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Office (850) 835-4834
Fax (850) 951-0868
comsara@co.walton.fl.us

Melinda Wickham
Commissioner's Aide
wicmelinda@co.walton.fl.us

Tony Anderson (R), District 5 Commissioner

District Office:
70 Logan Lane
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Office (850) 231-2978
Fax (850) 231-3872
andtony@co.walton.fl.us

Laura Ekstrom
Commissioner's Aide
ekslaura@co.walton.fl.us
 

fletch7245

Beach Lover
Jun 19, 2012
67
51
Most of us understand that development is going to happen. In fact, without development the government would lack increased revenue to fund needed infrastructure and jobs for our citizens would not be created.

But we also understand that there is responsible development that enhances neighborhoods and respects the property rights of our neighbors as well as fitting in with our overall community. Good development fits with the available infrastructure

There is also unbridled, out-of-control development that harms the environment and hurts the neighborhood. Some developers do not follow the rules and others take advantage or archaic or poorly written development codes. Oftentimes these projects fly in the face of common sense and community spirit.

A right as old as our nation is the right to petition our government. County commissioners have a difficult job, but it is a job they sought and comes with great responsibilities. They are our representatives and were elected to do what is best for everyone concerned. Commissioners are responsible to uphold our codes and ordinances and protect and enhance our way of life. The only way to adequately do their job is to listen carefully to all viewpoints and all citizens.

While Walton County has seen its share of successes, we have also been victimized by poor decisions and various commissioners voting to not uphold their own Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. The proposed changes to Chapter 11 of the Land Development Code will impede our citizens from exercising their right to petition their government for a redress of grievances.

Who stands to benefit from these proposed changes? Certainly, developers will invest less time and money in the development process and will get development orders more quickly. Commissioners will have less to deal with on their bi-weekly agenda and will not be required to take the time needed to listen to public comments. But ordinary citizens will be uninformed of critical decisions that will affect their life’s investment. While developers stand to make a nice payday and commissioners have less to do, our neighborhoods will change and those directly affected will be denied input. That seems like a high price to pay to save wealthy investors a little money and commissioners a little time that they ran for office to spend in the first place.

I oppose this initiative. I believe that Walton County is a unique place and I really do not care what other jurisdictions do. I care about what is best for our citizens. I also care about keeping our way of life intact as much as possible and protecting the beauty and natural resources that drew so many of our citizens here in the first place. Listening to constituents is good for business and imperative if Walton County is to become the paradise that I believe is its destiny

Danny, sent the following to all of the Commissioners and only got a response from Mrs. Nipper who agrees with my comment. Also asked Mac Carpenter who originated/promoted this change, no response from him either.

Commissioners, you have paid a lot of money to have Matrix review our LDC and Comp Plan. Why on earth would you make any changes before you receive and review their recommendations? I would also like to know who is recommending/promoting this change? Thank you,

Bill Fletcher
 
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