Planning commission recommends approval of multiple variances and rezoning cases; items to go before county commissioners July 7

The Walton County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval on several matters and forwarded the cases to the Board of Commissioners for consideration at the July 7 meeting.

A variance to allow a farm stand structure as shown on the submitted site plan was approved by motion and will be presented to the county commission. The commission also recommended approval of Z26-0123, a request to rezone about 60.11 acres to permit a small-scale, seasonal commercial farming operation (grow and sell fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, including occasional pick- your-own activities). Donnie Wright, representing applicants Paul and Toby Jones, said the operation is seasonal and primarily community-focused: "if I got 5 cars in this driveway, that's a good day." No opposition was recorded on that case.

The commission also recommended approval of LU26-0128 / Z26-014 to change a parcel from highway corridor to suburban and rezone it from A1 to R1 to create a buildable lot so the applicant can build a house for her daughter. Commissioners questioned a potential driveway encroachment; staff advised that if either property is sold, an easement would be required to keep the driveway encroroachment in place, otherwise it might need to be removed.

Each recommended item will be heard by the Board of Commissioners on July 7. The planning commission noted no public comment at the end of the hearing and adjourned; the next planning meeting is scheduled for July 9.