Planning board accepts small‑scale future‑land‑use change for Bankhead borrow pit

The Escambia County Planning Board on Sept. 1 accepted a small‑scale future‑land‑use amendment (SSA2026‑01) that would change a 21.48‑acre parcel near Bankhead Drive from Mixed Use Suburban to Agricultural Residential (AR). The applicant and staff said the request implements the county’s savings clause to restore prior rural‑residential entitlements lost when the county adopted a new land development code in 2015.

Meredith Bush and county staff reviewed environmental and infrastructure findings: the parcel contains a former borrow pit with an artificial pond, is outside well‑head protection zones, and is served or served on request by Emerald Coast Utilities Authority for potable water and sanitary service. Staff said the change would reduce the theoretical density from 25 dwelling units per acre to approximately one dwelling unit per four acres and would align the site’s zoning with the long‑standing, pre‑code use entitlements.

Speakers from the public asked clarifying questions about access and irrevocable use of a private access road; staff deferred operational details to Development Services and later site‑plan review. Board members asked whether the savings clause reversion is automatic and whether it requires additional hearings; staff explained the savings‑clause reinstatement is initiated by application and county review and that the Board of County Commissioners records the final reversion after the appropriate steps. A motion to accept the amendment was made, seconded and the motion carried.