Walton County adopts Old Seagrove neighborhood plan after two years of debate, redraws boundary for three parcels

Walton County commissioners voted 3-2 on Feb. 27 to adopt a neighborhood plan for Old Seagrove, a South Walton neighborhood, approving new rules on building heights, setbacks, tree protection and limits on bedrooms in newly built short-term rental units while redrawing the plan boundary to exclude a small group of parcels near County Road 30A.

The plan, shepherded by neighborhood volunteers over roughly two years and presented by the county planning department, proposes reduced building heights, increased setbacks, tree-protection standards and new limits on bedrooms in newly constructed short‑term rental (STR) units intended to curb large rental houses that residents say have harmed neighborhood character and public safety.

Supporters told commissioners the plan reflects months of meetings and broad neighborhood backing and cited vote totals they said met the county code’s thresholds. Shirley Garrett, who represented the Old Seagrove planning committee, said the group had a long volunteer effort and that “85% of those who voted voted yes” and that the committee had sought what it considers a fair compromise to protect the neighborhood’s character. Garrett and other proponents said the plan would preserve trees, reduce congestion and slow the construction of so‑called “mega‑rentals.”

Opponents, including multiple property owners whose lots fall within or near the proposed plan area, asked commissioners to exclude their parcels or to alter the plan. Several speakers who own property on County Road 30A argued their lots are…