Walton County Seeks Community Input on Growth and Development: Plan for Walton 2040 Survey

[SUP Boarder]

Thanks for sharing Jim. Most likely some much needed changes / recommendations:

Future Land Use Recommendations FLU Policy Recommendations Summary

1. Adopt a Sector Map for Walton County to assist with growth;
2. Encourage rural clustering for the rural village place type in the north planning area (concentrated around the commercial centers);
3. Incorporate Place Types as FLU Categories;
4. Consolidate FLU Categories;
5. Move regulations in Comprehensive Plan to LDC where possible;
6. Adopt a TDR Program; and
7. Increase or align the maximum permitted density to the intent for a few FLU categories that are included in new Place Types

It will be challenging to determine which recommendations to implement while still ensuring an effective FLU plan. Some of the frustrations in the past IMO were requests and approvals for deviations and exceptions to density.


FLU Policy - Recommendation 7
Increase or align the maximum permitted density to the intent for a few FLU categories that are included in new Place Types. All adjustments should also be subject to the additional density restrictions of the underlying zoning categories.

Residential FLU: Max density: 8 du/ac, except for:
• Residential in a designated Receiving Area. Max density: 16 du/ac
• Residential in permitted Growth Sector Place Types. Max density: 12 du/ac
• Residential in permitted Maintain Sector Place Types. Max density: 10 du/ac
• The increased densities shall not be permitted for the following zoning districts within the Residential FLU: LDRs and RP.


Probably a good recommendation to "point or direct" development into specific areas....

FLU Policy - Recommendation 6
Adopt a TDR program to transfer density credits from sending areas seeking to reduce development intensity below their current zoning allowance to receiving areas aiming to support future development at a higher intensity than currently permitted.

 

[Lacy]

Our county governement has its hands full with infrastructure considering the massive growth happening. It seems we are no different than anywhere else in Florida in limiting development so we don't get overloaded. The cart always goes before the horse. Or does it? Why not limit growth?

Quality of life quality of community is the key. Keep Scenic 30A Scenic! Keep South Walton charming! Don't let sign pollution, utilities pollution, light pollution, noise pollution and trash rule the landscape - take control and do the right thing for residents!!

 

[PJJ]

Between the 3 large multifamily properties in Freeport (Hammock Bay, Riverwalk, Owl's Head), there are 1,012 units. Despite rents that keep falling, 43%, or 440 units, are vacant. That's before delivery of 3 (?) new projects - one next to Freeport Publix and two south of 20 and east of 331. Every single multifamily project in Freeport will fail.

Market vacancy for the county is 25%. Rents continue to tick down due to the crazy amount of new supply that somehow keeps coming. $1.90 per foot avg now with so many new projects just delivered or under construction.

I've been tracking the area's slow moving train wreck on this thread to show there is no housing shortage in the area.

Walton, Okaloosa officials meet to discuss housing challenges

 

[James Bentwood]

Between the 3 large multifamily properties in Freeport (Hammock Bay, Riverwalk, Owl's Head), there are 1,012 units. Despite rents that keep falling, 43%, or 440 units, are vacant. That's before delivery of 3 (?) new projects - one next to Freeport Publix and two south of 20 and east of 331. Every single multifamily project in Freeport will fail.

Market vacancy for the county is 25%. Rents continue to tick down due to the crazy amount of new supply that somehow keeps coming. $1.90 per foot avg now with so many new projects just delivered or under construction.

I've been tracking the area's slow moving train wreck on this thread to show there is no housing shortage in the area.

Walton, Okaloosa officials meet to discuss housing challenges

I just saw the Jewel apartments across from Christian international. Yikes!

I have no doubt Freeport will boom even with growing pains. I'm surprised there aren't a golf course community or 2 started, catering to rich retirees.

 

[PJJ]

I just saw the Jewel apartments across from Christian international. Yikes!

I have no doubt Freeport will boom even with growing pains. I'm surprised there aren't a golf course community or 2 started, catering to rich retirees.

Owl's Head tried to build a golf course before the GFC but it never got off the ground. I wish there were more courses than just Windswept, but in a market like Freeport, golf courses are neighborhood amenities rather than stand alone businesses.

 

[James Bentwood]

Owl's Head tried to build a golf course before the GFC but it never got off the ground. I wish there were more courses than just Windswept, but in a market like Freeport, golf courses are neighborhood amenities rather than stand alone businesses.

Oh yeah I forgot about Owl's Head - that was very ambitious. Maybe it's just people moving to Freeport that are willing to accept the most basic DR Horton style housing. It's depressing. Those neighborhoods are not far off from government housing. And the apartments are even sadder.

Back in yonder day I envisioned golf course communities and wealthy retirees all along 331. Looks like all crappy homes and cheap strip malls instead.

 

[Jim Tucker]

As summer approaches and more and more tourists flock to Walton County, many of us are thinking about two things—housing and recreation.

Throughout this process, we’ve heard a lot about the need for affordable and attainable housing. We’ve also heard from you that this cannot come at the expense of adequate space for recreation and quality of life.

These two principles are critical in preserving neighborhood character and ensuring sufficient public and recreational spaces, and we hope you’ll take time to review these recommendations and let us know what you think.

Click Here for Housing Recommendations

Click Here for Recreation Recommendations
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our full report of recommendations here.


As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.


Warmly,

- The Plan for Walton Team


P.S. If you missed any of our previous recommendations regarding land use or transportation, be sure to check them out now on our blog.