Walton County planners recommend denial of rezoning to keep farm animals; case headed to commissioners

The Walton County Planning Commission on Sept. 4 voted to recommend denial of rezoning case Z250283, a request to change 3.90 acres from R-1 to A to allow the keeping (and potential future sale) of animals. The applicant, identified in the hearing as Carlos and represented by Emily Barona Perez, told the commission the current use is primarily chickens and said the property owner intends to "make it a farm."

Emily Barona Perez said of the plans: "To make it a farm," and the applicant said the property currently houses "about 40 or so 50" chickens for personal egg production and that in the future he might keep three to four sheep or goats.

Planning staff and commissioners discussed that the rezoning application appeared to stem from a code-enforcement matter regarding animals on property zoned R-1. Staff noted that zoning to A would permit livestock but that county code limits livestock density: in A zoning, large hoofed animals are limited to five per fenced acre and small hoofed animals are limited to four per fenced acre. Staff also asked about fencing type, coops and food storage; the applicant said chickens are currently kept in a coop and that future larger animals would be contained behind an electric fence.

The commission received no formal opposition in the hearing. The local district representative requested denial, the motion to deny was seconded, and the commission voted to recommend denial; the chair said the applicant will have another opportunity to present to the Walton County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 7.

The commission advised the applicant to present a structured plan to the commissioners, including the number and type of animals, fencing and enclosure details, and compliance with county code. The decision by the planning commission is a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners, which has final zoning authority.