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Wakulla adopts 5% recreation-area rule for new residential subdivisions; residents urge stronger tree protections
Summary
The Wakulla County Commission unanimously adopted an ordinance requiring at least 5% of new residential site acreage to be reserved for recreational areas. Several residents urged the commission to pursue stronger, separate measures to preserve trees and native vegetation.
The Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the county land development code to require at least 5% of a residential development’s site area to be set aside as recreational space.
The measure, approved after a final public hearing, applies to multiple residential zoning districts and requires that recreation areas be located outside of platted lots and exclude required building setbacks, utility easements and stormwater facilities. Staff recommended the change to standardize and increase minimum open-space requirements for higher-density subdivisions.
The ordinance matters because it sets a clear, enforceable minimum for recreational open space on new residential developments, replacing the previous calculation method with a flat percentage. Supporters said the requirement will ensure more playgrounds, walking trails and other amenities near homes;…
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