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Niceville council approves multiple rezoning, variance and grant measures; one abstention recorded
Summary
At its Jan. 13 meeting, the Niceville City Council approved a package of land‑use and budget measures, accepted a FDOT landscaping grant and adopted a five‑year CIP. Votes included an abstention on a rezoning and at least one recorded 'no' on a setback variance.
The Niceville City Council on Jan. 13 approved a series of land‑use and finance items, including rezoning requests, variances, and an amended fiscal‑year budget, and accepted a $32,150 Florida Department of Transportation grant for median landscaping.
Council approved the consent agenda by voice vote. The council then approved the first reading of an ordinance to create a new chapter regulating electric bicycles, motorized scooters and other micro‑mobility devices, including a helmet requirement for riders 16 and under and a provision requiring private‑property permission for operations on private property. Staff said neighboring jurisdictions have adopted similar rules.
A rezoning and future‑land‑use change for property at 2300 North Barton Drive was approved on first reading; staff and the planning commission recommended approval, describing the applicant’s future plan for lower‑intensity, single‑story duplex independent‑living units. Engineer Matthew Simke told the council the proposal reduces building height compared with an earlier approved plan.
On second reading, the council approved the Kelly Preserve LLC rezoning (cited in the agenda as a change from commercial to residential/mixed use). The vote carried with one abstention from Councilmember Rominger.
Two variances were approved: a reduction of a west side setback at 774 Woods Drive (request to reduce from 10 feet to 6 feet) and a parking reduction at 1057 Johnson Sims Parkway (from 28 to 21 spaces) for a proposed bank. The Woods Drive variance passed with at least one recorded 'no' vote (Mr. Tolbert opposed); the parking variance passed after staff said the request aligns with parking ratios at nearby banks.
The council adopted an amendment to the fiscal‑year 2026 budget to incorporate recently awarded grants and state appropriations. Council members approved adding funds for police grants and state appropriations related to transportation and fire‑station design; staff told the council most amendments were cost‑neutral and noted a requested $300,000 surtax contingency for higher than anticipated construction costs on a greens/field project.
The five‑year capital improvement plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2026–2030 was adopted by resolution to keep project eligibility for grants moving while a companion comprehensive‑plan amendment proceeds through state review.
In transportation business, the council considered a resolution supporting Fort Walton Beach’s request to the Florida Department of Transportation for Alternative 1B on a regional corridor project. The item drew debate from the city’s TPO representative and passed with split votes; several council members opposed the measure.
Finally, the council unanimously approved a joint participation agreement with FDOT accepting $32,150 to install and maintain landscaping and trees in highway medians along State Roads 85, 20 and 397, with two years of maintenance covered by the grant.
The meeting included public comment praising city sewer crews and a reminder to drivers to slow in school zones. The council agreed to continue one appointment resolution to the next meeting and directed staff to advertise for public nominations for an at‑large appointment.
The council adjourned after routine announcements.
