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Planning board backs Rural Residential rezoning for 5700 Highway 99 despite farmland preservation concerns
Summary
The board approved rezoning 5700 Highway 99 from Agricultural to Rural Residential (case Z2025‑11). Staff said the change aligns with the rural community future land use and that soils and environmental limits will constrain disturbance; an adjacent landowner warned rezoning risks loss of productive farmland.
The Escambia County Planning Board voted Dec. 2 to recommend rezoning 5700 Highway 99 in Molino from Agricultural (1 dwelling unit per 20 acres) to Rural Residential (1 dwelling unit per 4 acres) for case Z2025‑11.
Applicant agent Meredith Bush and county staff recommended the RR designation as consistent with the Rural Community future land use designation and appropriate as a transition between agricultural land and existing rural residential parcels. Staff said the subject parcel is approximately 20.28 acres and that the Rural Residential district supports detached single‑family homes on larger lots without requiring new public infrastructure.
Staff also reported county GIS identifies prime soils across the parcel and said LDC standards limit disturbance to either 5 acres or 10% of the parcel (whichever is greater); an environmental assessment will be required during site development review. Transportation staff noted no immediate TTO concerns but that there are no county improvement plans for Highway 99 tied to this request.
Matt Crosby of 5500 Highway 99 opposed the rezoning in public comment, saying additional residents on smaller lots could conflict with the county's 4‑H Agricultural Extension Center across the road, reduce viable farmland and pressure infrastructure such as small‑diameter water lines. He urged protection of agricultural uses and cautioned against incremental “hobby farm” subdivisions.
After discussion and questions about soils and buildability, Board Member (S5) moved to approve rezoning to Rural Residential; the motion carried. The Planning Board's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.
