Here is some good solid information for you to include to the emails, phone calls, and letters, addressed to the Walton County Commissioners.
Seagrove Villas is a non-conforming use of commercial business in a residential neighborhood. I'm still not convinced that by having condos on the property, the property would be commercially used. I thought condos were residential.
Walton County Land Development Code:
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8.01.02. Continuation of nonconformity.
A. Continuation. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, any nonconforming lot, structure, use, or sign lawfully existing on the effective date of this Code may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful.
Walton County Land Development Code : June 2006 Edition Page 136 of 319
A nonconforming use which is discontinued for more than six months may not be reestablished unless in conformance with this Code and the comprehensive plan. Single family residential lots of record that are nonconforming and cannot meet the minimum site design requirements of Chapter V of this Code without so diminishing the building area so as to render its use for a single family residence unfeasible, may be considered as conforming lots for purposes of construction of a single family home and the setback requirements may be reduced by the minimum extent necessary to accommodate the structure. However, in no case shall the minimum side yard be less than five feet, the minimum rear yard less than ten feet and the minimum front yard be less than 15 feet."
(Smiling JOe -- I believe that means that Nature Walk would have no more than six months from the time that they stop operating the Seagrove Villas until the Nature Walk Beach Club opens. -- not likely to happen)
"E. Burden of Proof.
The burden of establishing that any nonconformity is a legal
nonconformity as established by this Chapter shall, in all cases, be upon the owner of such nonconformity and not upon Walton County."
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B. Expansion of Nonconformity.
No nonconformity shall be enlarged upon, expanded, or extended unless such alteration is in full compliance with all requirements of this code. Normal maintenance and incidental repair of a legal nonconformity shall be
permitted, provided that this does not violate any other section of this Code."
"8.01.03. Termination of nonconforming development.[/B]
A. Nonconforming Structures and Uses. In the event that any nonconforming structure or use is destroyed by any means to the extent of more than 50 percent of the fair market value of the structure before the calamity, such structure or use shall not be restored, rebuilt, or reoccupied for any purpose unless it shall thereafter conform to all regulations of this Code.
When such a structure or use is damaged or destroyed to the extent of 50 percent or less of the fair market value, no repairs or rebuilding shall be permitted except in conformity with Section 8.01.02 and other applicable regulations of this Code."