Planning staff asks to continue land development code text amendments to Feb. 13

Walton County planning staff asked the Planning Commission on Wednesday to continue two proposed land development code text amendments until the commission’s Feb. 13 meeting so the changes can be discussed at a public workshop.

Planning Department representative Steven Schoen told commissioners the changes require additional public outreach and that staff wants the workshop to offer residents an opportunity to ask questions and submit comments before the items return to the commission.

Commissioners asked procedural questions about why the items were on the agenda if staff intended to postpone them and whether commissioners may attend the public workshop without creating a sunshine-law violation. The county attorney advised that attendance alone is not a violation; discussions at the workshop could create sunshine issues if commissioners engage in deliberations on matters likely to come before the commission.

Schoen said staff will post the workshop notice, arrange recording of the workshop if time permits, and include affidavits of certified mailing for affected property owners as a staff exhibit in future packets. A commissioner moved to continue both items to Feb. 13; the motion carried by voice vote.

The continuance gives staff time to hold the workshop, incorporate public feedback and deliver revised materials and exhibits to commissioners ahead of the February meeting.