During a recent city council meeting, members unanimously approved a conditional use application for a new multifamily development in Destin, Florida. The project, proposed by Interlight Engineering Corporation on behalf of Johnny Boswell, will consist of 54 long-term attached townhome units on a 5.2-acre site located near Seibert and Calhoun Avenue.

The approval follows a lengthy discussion about the project's evolution, which began in February 2020 as a single-family residential subdivision intended for short-term rentals. After facing opposition from the Local Planning Agency (LPA) regarding short-term rentals, the developers redesigned the project to focus on multifamily housing, ultimately increasing the density to meet financial feasibility.

The new design aims to maintain a residential character while complying with the Calhoun Mixed Use Village zoning regulations. The project will feature a density of 10.4 dwelling units per acre, which is below the maximum allowed density of 12 units per acre. Additionally, the developers committed to providing 36% of the site as open space and 219 parking spaces, exceeding the minimum requirement.

City staff reviewed the application against six criteria for conditional use and found that the project met all but one, which pertains to the potential overproliferation of multifamily units in the area. Currently, 44% of parcels in the zoning district contain multifamily uses, leading to discussions among council members about the implications of this development on the neighborhood's character.

Public comments raised concerns about guest parking availability, with one resident noting that visitors might have to use nearby parks for parking. However, the developers argued that the project includes ample parking for residents and guests.

The council's decision reflects a broader strategy to address housing affordability in Destin, as the townhomes are expected to be priced in the high $300,000 range, providing a more accessible option for the local workforce. The project is seen as a step towards enhancing the community's housing inventory while promoting walkability and connectivity to nearby amenities.