DRB approves Walmart signage deviations on U.S. 98 including pharmacy and liquor wayfinding signs

The Walton County Development Review Board approved a multi‑part scenic‑corridor deviation for a Walmart store on U.S. Highway 98 West that updates the store’s building signage and wayfinding elements.

Staff summarized the requested changes: move the pickup sign from the west elevation to the east elevation to align with the actual pickup area; change the main transom sign copy from “market” to “grocery” with an increase in square footage (from 60.61 sq ft to 86.84 sq ft); reduce the square footage of the Walmart/Spark marquee from 131.23 sq ft to 108.88 sq ft; and add a small liquor sign (about 11.3 sq ft) and an interior pharmacy sign. Staff noted previous deviations for the same store and asked the board to consider those earlier approvals.

Applicant representative Mark Branchley explained the branding evolution and said the pickup sign relocation is intended to improve wayfinding to the pickup area at night. He confirmed that the Walmart wordmark and spark will be illuminated (white text and yellow spark) while the liquor and pharmacy wayfinding signs will be non‑illuminated. The applicant said the total building signage under the current proposal remains consistent with previously approved total signage area (the applicant cited a previously approved aggregate of 267.45 sq ft).

Board members framed the proposed changes as modest, consistent with prior approvals, and helpful for tourist wayfinding along a high‑traffic corridor. After discussion the board approved the deviations by voice vote.