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Zoning board approves two retirement homes on Seneca Trail, conditions approval on two-house limit
Summary
The Santa Rosa County Zoning Board recommended a special exception to allow two houses on a 23-acre Seneca Trail parcel for a retiring family and a sister, after applicants provided wetlands surveys and said they would retain ownership; board conditioned approval on limiting development to two houses.
The Santa Rosa County Zoning Board recommended approval of a special exception to allow a parent parcel on Seneca Trail to be divided so Andrew Beam and his family can build two retirement homes on a 23-acre property.
Cheryl Korolewski, representing builder America’s Homeplace, told the board the Beams plan to retire in Milton and that the two homes would be for family members only. Korolewski said the applicant has completed wetland surveys and sited the homes to meet required setbacks and buffers. “We have done the surveys, we have done the research, and we just want to put two family homes on a 22-acre parcel,” Korolewski said.
Neighbors spoke during public comment with concerns about wetlands, flooding and increased traffic. Lisa Hunter, whose property would back up directly to the proposed lots, said the subdivision of the parcel and construction of a road could “destroy our wetlands and the waterway” and possibly change her property’s flood status. “Bringing in a road, building homes, it’s gonna destroy our wetlands,” Hunter said.
Applicant representatives said wetland boundaries have been surveyed and marked; they also stated the builders intend to meet all regulatory setbacks and to avoid disturbing wetlands. The applicant said Andrew Beam plans to retain ownership of the parcels and that the intent is not to create a larger subdivision.
Board members discussed the technical documentation and local lot patterns. Zoning Board member Cameron Williams noted the property is 23.24 acres and that, but for wetlands, the parcel could be developed differently; board member Mark Laughlin said he did not see a problem with the request. A motion to approve the special exception was made with an explicit condition that the newly created lot be limited to a single residence (two houses in total across the parent parcel); the motion passed without objection.
The zoning-board recommendation will go to the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners for final action; staff reminded the applicant and neighbors of the county’s notice and appeals timelines.
