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Walton County Height Limits
07/01/09 - 05:11 PM
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The Walton County Planning Commission is rewriting expanding the height ordinance that is largely responsible for South Walton’s ritzy atmosphere.

Now the planning commission wants the same height requirement for North Walton County to protect the county’s diverse environment.

This means that even though Walton County is developing economically. It still will keep its family friendly reputation.  The fifty foot height limit in South Walton will now be the rule in North Walton as well.

Bikes, porches and quaint cobblestone streets are the essence of South Walton County.  The area has ambiance that contrasts the fast-paced beaches of Panama City Beach.  Residents believe it’s largely due to building height limits that have existed since the 1970’s

Residents believe that if it wasn’t for the height ordinance we would look a lot like those counties do.

The height ordinance has a lot of complicated language written into it but it can affect Walton county in a big way. For example, Alys and Rosemary Beaches have always been known for being family oriented. The residents want to keep it that way.

Now the Walton Planning Commission is imposing the 50 foot limit in North Walton County as well. It’s really critical for Walton County because it’s all about who we are and what residents want Walton County to be in this next 20 year planning period.  What it will become in North County.

Pat Blackshear is in charge of the actual writing of the ordinance and wants to make sure it’s clear to constituents what they can and cannot do.  Blackshear says some flexibility will be written in to allow for economic development in North Walton.

Last night the planning commission held the first reading of the ordinance.  The second reading will be on jJly 14th.  If you want to keep up with the drafting of the ordinance contact Pat Blackshear’s office and she’ll add you to the email list so you can get electronic updates.