Milton board approves Circle K redevelopment, grants variances for setback and parking

The Milton Board of Adjustments voted unanimously April 27 to grant a special exception and two variances permitting redevelopment of the Circle K at 5462 Stewart Street, planning staff said.

Planning staff told the board that Sandra Owens, authorized agent for the property, submitted applications for a special exception (gas station use in the SSCRC zoning district) and variances for building setback and parking. Staff recommended approval of the special exception conditioned on the successful rezoning of the newly acquired eastern parcel and the combination of both parcels into one. "Staff has reviewed the request for special exception and supports approval for the request," planning staff member Jacob Hoele said during the presentation.

Why it matters: the parcel is currently developed as a gas station but the applicant proposes to expand onto an adjacent parcel, demolish the existing building, move the new building farther back, add stormwater facilities and adjust circulation to accommodate larger fuel delivery trucks. Under the City of Milton Unified Development Code (UDC) SSCRC standards, gas station use requires a special exception and variances must meet hardship criteria listed in the UDC.

What the board approved: the board granted (1) the special exception allowing gas station use to continue and expand at 5462 Stewart Street, (2) a variance increasing the convenience-store front setback from the SSCRC maximum of 50 feet to 159 feet with a 65-foot fuel canopy setback to support truck maneuverability and circulation, and (3) a variance to increase off‑street parking to a total of 25 spaces where the code-calculated minimum and maximum for the tenant area would be 14–15 spaces. Staff noted the applicant provided a peak‑demand analysis indicating typical maximum flows around 26 spaces.

Public notice and input: staff said certified notices were mailed to 10 adjacent properties (six confirmed delivered, one undelivered and three unaccounted for) and that no written public comments for or against the special exception were received prior to the meeting.

Stormwater and environmental concerns: multiple board members asked whether the proposed design would increase runoff toward the Blackwater Trail or allow petroleum to infiltrate pervious paving. Board member Melissa Short questioned the pervious paving near fueling areas, saying, "It's surprising to me that there wouldn't be some kind of extra filtration system for that water runoff around fuel tanks," and expressed concern about long‑term contamination. Planning staff said the site submitted a stormwater management plan that had been reviewed by the city stormwater engineer, and that final design and any pond/wetland impacts would go through state permits and review by the Northwest Florida Water Management District before final approval.

Procedure and votes: staff reminded the board that four affirmative votes were required for approval of the special exception and for variances. Each motion was moved, seconded and called to a voice vote; the chair announced each application "passes" after the board voiced "Aye."

What's next: staff noted the Board of Adjustments' approvals are conditioned on the successful rezoning and parcel combination; the applicant must complete any required rezoning, address technical review comments and obtain any county or state permits (including FDOT driveway permits where applicable) before final city approvals and construction.

Authorities cited in the meeting include the City of Milton Unified Development Code (articles and tables referenced during the staff presentation).