Walker County Commissioners Court granted several land‑use exceptions and on‑site wastewater variances Dec. 29, but attached specific conditions intended to protect public health and ensure proper documentation.

In a variance for an on‑site sewer regulation, staff told the court that historic records were incomplete and that early construction dates in county files were sketchy; the applicant's representative, Randy Benner, said the property had been used intermittently for decades and described it as a vacation property maintained over time. Staff recommended that any approval require submission of an on‑site sewage plan specific to the tract and a follow‑up inspection within 365 days of occupancy. The court approved the variance subject to those contingencies.

The court also approved an exception for Leonard Polk (agenda item 22) for a single 10‑acre tract (A2.2.0.1) subject to Polk's signature on an affidavit of exception and the submittal of an on‑site sewage plan specific to his tract prior to permitting. Commissioners emphasized that no electricity service would be provided until the required sewage documentation and approvals were completed.

During the discussion, staff repeatedly cautioned that older records (1970s–1980s) are often incomplete and that where new systems are installed, county review and sanitary inspections are standard. The court's approvals were recorded with the stated contingencies; staff was instructed to document compliance before final permits or utilities are activated.