The Walton County Technical Review Committee voted Dec. 3 to continue USUFWB 32 — a minor development application filed by Clark Partington on behalf of the Muscogee Nation of Florida to replace a cell tower on about 0.147 acres — to the Jan. 7, 2025, TRC meeting to allow staff time to review prior approvals and await comments from Eglin.

Will Dunaway, who identified himself as representing the applicant, told the committee the application is complete and said the temporary tower previously approved by the county was operating to maintain Verizon service for South Walton County. “Any interruption in that would cease that type of communication,” he said, arguing for an expedited review. Dunaway also said the application had been active for more than a year and noted the county code requires approval or denial within 90 days.

The chair (unnamed) said staff is considering whether a conditional-use approval is required and that Eglin had not yet completed its review. The chair asked the applicant to submit documentation of prior approvals (including the temporary approval) so planning staff can evaluate records and recommended internal conversations with the property owner before the item returns to the TRC.

After discussion the committee approved a motion to continue the matter to the first January TRC meeting (Jan. 7). The committee recorded the action by voice vote ('Aye'). The item will return on Jan. 7 with staff review and any new submissions from the applicant.

What’s next: Applicant to provide documentation of prior approvals and any requested resubmittals; staff will seek Eglin comments and determine whether a conditional-use process is required before the matter returns to the TRC.