The Walton County Technical Review Committee on Dec. 17 conditionally approved a minor development application to convert the former Applebee’s at Grand Boulevard into Shades at Miramar Beach.

Tim (planning staff) presented the application from Interlight Engineering, describing additions that include shed roofs on the west and south sides, a covered porch for outdoor seating on the east side, upsizing the on‑site grease interceptor and the removal of two on‑site parking spaces. Tim said planning comments were “pretty minor” but noted outstanding senior‑quarter and environmental reviews.

The nut graph: The committee’s conditional approval means the project may move to design‑review and the building‑permit process once staff comments — including senior‑quarter items and any required fire review during permitting — are addressed.

Applicant David Smith of Interlight Engineering told the committee the service yard exists and the team plans to relocate the grease trap into the parking lot, redo walls around the service yard and make only limited interior renovations. “We would respectfully request to move forward,” Smith said in presenting the resubmittal plans.

County staff flagged a need for a boundary survey with title benefit and several planning clarifications. Tim said engineering has classified the increase in impervious surface as de minimis because two parking spaces are being removed but cautioned that adding a loading zone could require more parking changes.

The committee voted to conditionally approve the application, with the condition that outstanding comments be addressed and that the project proceed to design review once those items are resolved. The chair noted any required fire approvals would be addressed during the building permit review.

Next steps: the applicant will resubmit materials addressing planning, public works and any outstanding environmental comments before the project can proceed to final design review and permitting.