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Commission denies Tiffany Lane farm-stand rezoning after neighbor objections; approves other rezones and orders noise study on separate property
Summary
Walton County commissioners voted to deny a rezoning and variance that would have allowed a farm stand at 4350 Tiffany Lane after neighbors cited traffic and character concerns. The board approved several other rezones (including a 60.105-acre farm/pick-your-own request) and denied a separate request to add buildings at a Daniel Cemetery Road property while directing Planning & Zoning to study noise concerns.
Walton County commissioners on the evening agenda debated multiple land-use requests and split with the planning commission on a contested Tiffany Lane farm-stand application.
Planning staff presented Z26-0119, a request to rezone about 4.22 acres on Tiffany Lane from A1 to A and grant a variance to allow a farm stand in the front yard. Applicant Christine Rojas Carrillo told the board the family's farm stand grew from a desire to sell home-grown fruits, vegetables and cottage-baked goods and to give back to the community. "We make everything with sourdough," Rojas Carrillo said while describing a small operation and a 'community' focus including a Little Free Library for children.
Neighbors disagreed. Dennis Nation, who said he has lived next door 42 years, told commissioners the rezoning would be incompatible with the neighborhood's low-density residential character and could create traffic and safety hazards. "I think it's gonna be a traffic issue. It's gonna be a detriment to my property value," Nation said. Citing prior removal of a fruit stand and concerns about cars turning on Tiffany Lane, opposition commenters urged denial.
Although the planning commission had recommended approval with conditions (including parcel consolidation and limiting animal locations), Commissioner (speaker 1) moved to deny the application. The motion was seconded and the board voted to deny the rezoning request unanimously.
The board approved several other zoning requests on the consent of planning staff: - Z26-0123: a 60.105-acre downzone to allow small commercial farming and a pick-your-own flower operation (applicant represented by attorney Donnie Wright); the board approved the planning commission's recommendation. - LU26-0128 / Z26-0114: a land-use change and rezone on Highway 20 to create a buildable lot for a home (applicant Carrie Rowe); approved. - Z26-0133: a rezone of a 5.082-acre parcel to B3 for an office and outdoor storage with a GDOT-coordinated entrance condition; approved with conditions.
On a separate item (Z26-0160), property owner Igor Mitrovic asked the board to remove a prior condition that prohibits additional buildings on his Daniel Cemetery Road property so he could add covered shelters for exotic birds. Neighbors, including Robert Connerly, raised complaints about noise, free-ranging peafowl and property impacts. Mitrovic said the number of birds has not increased and that he plans enclosures; the board voted to deny the request to add buildings and directed Planning & Zoning to study noise concerns, including whether the county should acquire a decibel meter to measure possible violations.
Several motions were resolved by voice votes and the board moved on to administrative business and capital projects.
