Walton County planners workshop ‘monster houses’; no rule change yet, staff to return with options

The Walton County Planning Commission on Thursday held a public workshop to gather input on so-called “monster houses,” large single-family dwellings that residents say are being used like small hotels and are changing neighborhood character in South Walton. Planning staff presented draft compatibility thresholds and other code changes under consideration, but commissioners did not take formal action and directed staff to return with refined options at a follow-up meeting.

The discussion, prompted by the Board of County Commissioners, focused on draft Land Development Code (LDC) language that would evaluate a new home’s compatibility with its immediate surroundings using metrics such as gross floor area, structure height and parking counts. “Short term vacation rentals can go anywhere,” Steven, a planning staff member, said during the presentation, noting state limits on prohibiting STRs and the need to approach changes carefully. Staff also highlighted recommendations from DPZ’s evaluation and appraisal report, including a suggested 40-foot height limit for single-family homes…