Commission recommends denial of rezoning for used-car lot on Highway 81

The Walton County Planning Commission on Feb. 5 recommended denial of a rezoning request to convert 1.22 acres at 4743 Highway 81 and Lee Bird Road from A-1 to B-2 for a used motor-vehicle sales lot. Andrea Gray presented the applicant’s plan, describing a paved lot with 43 display spaces, five staff/accessible spaces, a 25-foot transitional buffer and a relocated driveway to meet GDOT’s 100-foot setback; the applicant indicated no on-site mechanical work or car washing.

Commissioner (speaker 4) moved to recommend denial, saying the lot’s limited access to Highway 81 and the predominately residential character of the area made B-2 inappropriate. "The limited access onto Highway 81 ... gives reasons for denial," the commissioner said. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote; the commission will forward the recommendation of denial to the Board of Commissioners for final action on March 3.

The applicant and representative argued the site is near commercial zonings and that moving the driveway would improve safety; neighbors did not speak in opposition during the public-comment period. The record shows the commission weighed compatibility with surrounding residential uses and access constraints in reaching the recommendation.