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Board approves variance to skip sidewalks on Johnson Road; developers to consider mitigation fund
Summary
The zoning board approved a variance allowing a commercial site on Johnson Road to avoid installing sidewalks now, after debating the East Milton master plan and the sidewalk mitigation fund; vote was 5–3.
The Santa Rosa County Zoning Board voted to grant a variance allowing a commercial development on Johnson Road to defer building sidewalks, even though members raised concerns about the East Milton master plan and long-term connectivity.
Planning staff said the site at 7766 Johnson Road had been rezoned to Highway Commercial Development and that the applicant sought relief from the sidewalk requirement because "there are no sidewalks in the area" and installing them now would be costly. Applicant Michael Gifford told the board the property would be a landscaping office and asked for a variance because sidewalks in the immediate area would not connect to other sidewalks. “We’re trying to avoid putting any money in,” Gifford said, adding the business is a meeting point for crews rather than a retail destination.
Board members debated alternatives including the sidewalk mitigation fund — a county option that lets developers pay into a fund instead of installing sidewalks immediately — and whether putting a short piece of concrete in a residential corridor would “literally rot.” After extended discussion about master-plan goals and practical costs, the board approved the variance by recorded vote (motion passed 5–3). The transcript records opposition from multiple members during the roll call.
