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Planning agency recommends exempting pole barns under 5,000 sq ft from development‑order review
Summary
Ordinance 2216 would amend the LDC to exempt pole barns up to 5,000 sq ft (enclosed on no more than one side) from development‑order application requirements; the agency recommended adoption 5–0 while noting building, setback and permit requirements still apply.
The Fort Walton Beach Local Planning Agency voted 5–0 on June 4 to recommend adoption of Ordinance 2216, a code amendment to exempt certain pole barns from the city's development‑order application requirement.
Mrs. Roberts said staff had reviewed requests for pole barns on commercial property and proposed exempting pole barns up to 5,000 square feet that are enclosed on no more than one side from requiring a development‑order application.
"We reviewed the implications of exempting pole barns up to 5,000 sq ft from development order requirements ... and found that any requirements applicable to pole barns of this size can be properly evaluated during permit review without requiring a full development application," Mrs. Roberts said. She added that Florida Building Code, fire code, setbacks, impervious‑surface rules and other state and local requirements would still apply and that there was no direct financial impact to the city.
Board members asked whether a concrete floor or other site features would still trigger permit review and setbacks; staff confirmed permits and standard code requirements remain in effect even if the development‑order exemption applies. The agency moved to recommend adoption and approved the recommendation unanimously.
The ordinance would reduce procedural requirements for certain agricultural‑style or accessory commercial structures while preserving technical and safety reviews at the permit stage.
