ZBA grants setback variances for narrow bayfront lot in Huck and Toms, 4–1

The Walton County Zoning Board of Adjustments approved a variance on June 25 to reduce side setbacks from 7.5 feet to 4.5 feet and the front setback from 20 feet to 10 feet for a 0.06-acre bayfront parcel at 288 Huck And Toms Road.

Anna Stacia Stahl, the applicant, told the board the lot is a legally platted bayfront parcel that narrows to 23 feet at the bay and was platted and built on decades before the current land-development code. "The relief requested is the minimum necessary to build a livable home," Stahl said, asking the board to focus on the lot's fixed geometry rather than subjective preference. Senior planner Jesus Navarro entered the staff report and noted technical reviews (floodplain, environmental, engineering) returned no objections.

Anthony Montero, identified as the Huck and Toms HOA president and an adjacent neighbor, said the HOA supports the request and that the HOA could grant easements to address parking concerns if necessary. Board members questioned the record on plat dates and whether the lot qualified for preexisting-lot setback relief; the staff report referenced the parcel record and code sections concerning notice and setback methodology.

After public comment and deliberation about neighborhood context and minimum relief, a board member moved to approve the applicant's requested variance and the motion passed 4–1. The board noted that final permitting will still require conformance with parking and stormwater standards at the planning/permitting stage.