Agenda Packet

Zoning Board · 2026-05-14 · agenda_packet

The Santa Rosa County Zoning Board will hold a meeting on May 14, 2026. Several new business items are on the agenda, including variance requests for setbacks, buffer reductions, and use permits. One item, Case 2026-1-SX, concerning the division of a parent parcel for a single lot without required road frontage, was approved without conditions. Another item, Case 2026-6-V, a variance request to reduce the wetland buffer setback from 25' to 1' for a single-family residence, resulted in a tie vote and will be moved to the Board of Commissioners. Case 2026-2-CU, a conditional use request for an educational institution (John Melvin University) on 58.1 acres, was recommended for approval by the Zoning Board and will also go to the Board of Commissioners. [1922 Williams Creek Dr, Navarre; case 2026-12-V] Scott Carstens Inc requested a variance to reduce the rear setback from 25' to 15' to accommodate a single-family residence in an R1 (Single Family Residential) zone. This item was continued to the June 11, 2026, Zoning Board Meeting by staff. [5400 Block of Soundside Dr., Gulf Breeze; case 2026-15-V] Golden Egg LLC requested a variance to reduce the wetland buffer setback from 25' to 7.5' to accommodate a single-family residence in an R1 (Single Family Residential) zone. The lot was divided in 2024, and the current LDC requires a 25' buffer for lots created after 2021. The applicant has received an exemption from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the buffer requirements. The variance was approved. [4752 Hamilton Bridge Rd, Pace; case 2026-16-V] Hamilton Bridge Storage requested a variance to allow the storage of Heavy Equipment in a HCD (Highway Commercial Development) Zoning District. [2422 Raider Ln., Navarre; case 2026-17-V] William Trulson requested two variances: 1) to reduce the side setback from 5' to 3' for an accessory structure in an R1 (Single Family Residential) zone, and 2) to reduce the driveway spacing on a Minor Collector from 185' to 155' for a residential driveway. [1907 Ambassador Dr, Gulf Breeze; case 2026-19-V] Eileen Mentock requested two variances: 1) to reduce the front setback from 25' to 20' for an accessory structure in an R1M (Mixed Residential Subdivision) zone, and 2) to reduce the side setback from 10' to 4' for an accessory structure in an R1M (Mixed Residential Subdivision) zone. [6749 Avenida de Galvez, Navarre; case 2026-20-V] Tim & Annette Renwick requested a variance to increase the allowable dock length from 16.5' to 28' into the open water span of the Bayou. [6590 Bluefish Rd, Navarre; case 2026-21-V] Virginia Simmons requested a variance to allow a residential driveway on a residential collector, Edgewood Dr. [3200 Block of Pearl Ridge Rd, Pace; case 2026-22-V] Pace Water System Inc requested a variance to eliminate the landscape buffer on the north and east property line of a commercial development. [6853 Santa Clara Dr. Navarre; case 2026-23-V] Ron Steiner requested a variance regarding the timing of construction to allow power on a vacant residential lot. [6099 Jays Way, Milton; case 2026-25-V] Troy Roadruck requested two variances: 1) to reduce the rear setback from 25' to 17' for an accessory structure in a RR1 (Rural Residential Single Family) zone, and 2) to reduce the side setback from 15' to 13' for an accessory structure in a RR1 (Rural Residential Single Family) zone. [4900 Block of Horace Lunsford, Milton; case 2026-3-CU] Scarlett Siergiejczk requested a Conditional Use to allow Veterinary Medical Services in an AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) Zoning District. The property is approximately 9.9 acres. [11000 Block of Highway 89, Jay; case 2026-4-CU] Moore Creek MT Caramel requested a Conditional Use to allow Public and Private Utilities, specifically a well and elevated storage tank, in an AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) Zoning District. The property is 3.00 acres. [4200 Block of Tansfield Rd, Milton; case 2026-10-RSS] Walther Land Group LLC requested a rezoning from R2 (Medium Density Residential) and RES (Residential) FLU to M1 (Restricted Industrial) and INDUS (Industrial) FLU for 3.5 acres. [4697 Chumuckla Hwy, Pace; case 2025-15-RSS] Rusty Harris requested a rezoning from AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) and AGRR (Agriculture Rural Residential) FLU to R2 (Medium Density Residential) and MDR (Medium Density Residential) FLU for 1 acre. [4762 Anna Simpson Rd., Milton; case 2026-1-SX] Daybrie & Michael Hodges requested a Special Exception to allow the dividing of a parent parcel to create one lot without the required road frontage in an R1 (Single Family Residential) zone. The property is 1.69 acres. The request was approved without conditions. A neighbor expressed opposition due to concerns about access past their home and a house behind it. [4133 Lawrence Ave, Pace; case 2026-1-V] Jonathan Properties LLC & Glass Living Trust, represented by Jonathan Cook, requested a variance to reduce the side setback from 10' to 8' to accommodate a single-family residence in an R1M (Mixed Residential Subdivision) zone. The property was previously two parcels combined and is being split back to its original layout. The request was approved without objection. [1807 Salem Ave., Navarre; case 2026-2-V] Ryan Contreras & Jennifer Eleutice requested two variances for a guest cottage: 1) to reduce the rear setback from 25' to 5', and 2) to reduce the side setback from 11' to 5', within an R1 (Single Family Residential) zone. The structure is an existing shed to be converted into a guest house. The request was approved without objection. Concerns were raised about meeting code requirements for conversion and potential engineering evaluations. [4571 Sabine Ct, Gulf Breeze; case 2026-3-V] Dan Thero requested a variance to reduce the shoreline protection setback for a pool from 50' to 30' within an R1 (Single Family Residential) zone. The request was approved without objection. [8500 Block of Naturewalk Dr., Jay; case 2026-4-V] Tamarack TimberCo FL LLC, represented by Carla Cook-Hinote, requested two variances for a residential subdivision in an AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) zone: 1) to reduce the required road width from 30' to 20', and 2) to eliminate the ribbon curb requirement. The new phase will be approximately 450 acres with 130-135 lots. The applicant aims to maintain the aesthetic of the existing subdivision. The request was approved without objection. Discussion included the adequacy of 20-foot road width for emergency vehicles and the responsibility for future road upgrades. [6451 Mary Kitchens Rd, Milton; case 2026-5-V] Daniel & Christina Odenthal requested a variance to reduce the wetland buffer setback from 25' to 1' to accommodate a single-family residence in an AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) zone. The applicant stated the house is designed to minimize wetland impact and accommodate a mound system. Public comment expressed concerns about hurricane evacuation and wetland impact. The Zoning Board voted 4-4, resulting in a tie, and the decision will be moved to the Board of Commissioners. Concerns included the significant reduction in the buffer and potential wetland impact. [5606 Ruth Ct, Milton; case 2026-6-V] David Furford requested a variance to reduce the front setback from 25' to 8' to accommodate a garage within an R1 (Single Family Residential) zone. The applicant seeks to align with a neighbor's garage placement and avoid flood zone issues. The request was approved without objection. [8896 Chumuckla Hwy, Milton; case 2026-1-CU] Cynthia & Richard Ricci requested a Conditional Use to allow restricted sales and services, specifically a flea market, in an AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) zone. The property is 1.76 acres. The request was denied by the Zoning Board. Significant public opposition cited concerns about safety, parking, traffic congestion on Chumuckla Highway, and potential reduction in residential property values. Neighbors described the current situation as a 'disaster' with cars parked on the highway and a child running out in front of a vehicle. The applicant's proposed solutions for parking and traffic were deemed insufficient. [6500 Block of Chumuckla Hwy, Pace; case 2026-2-CU] Ronald Kilpatrick, represented by Keith English, requested a Conditional Use to allow an educational institution, specifically John Melvin University, in an AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) zone on 58.1 acres. The university is primarily online, with 300-500 athletes on campus. The Zoning Board recommended approval, which will go to the Board of Commissioners. Public comment was divided: some supported the educational opportunity and community impact, while others opposed due to concerns about traffic on Three Oaks Lane and Chumuckla Highway, noise, light pollution, flood water drainage, and the fundamental alteration of the area's character. Neighbors expressed concerns about the road's narrowness and potential traffic flow onto Whitley Lane. The applicant expressed willingness to increase buffers and work with neighbors. [5595 Chumuckla Hwy, Pace; case 2026-1-RSS] Downey Ranch Holding Co LLC, represented by Harrell Downey, requested a rezoning from AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) and AGRR (Agriculture Rural Residential) FLU to HCD (Highway Commercial Development) and COMM (Commercial) FLU for 1.9 acres. The existing land use is office space, and a previous conditional use allowed a business. The applicant seeks commercial zoning for flexibility. The request was approved without objection. The property will have entrances on Chumuckla Highway and Stratford, and the development will be a tire automotive center owned by the applicant. [2700 Block of Andorra St, Navarre; case 2026-4-RSS] Larry Hagen requested a rezoning from HCD (Highway Commercial Development) and COMM (Commercial) FLU to R1 (Single Family Residential) and SFR (Single Family Residential) FLU for 0.45 acres. The property will be used for his primary residence. The request was approved without objection. [4351 Berryhill Rd, Pace; case 2026-6-RSS] Santa Rosa County, represented by Shawn Ward, AICP, Planning Director, requested a rezoning of 40 acres from AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) and AGRR (Agriculture Rural Residential) FLU to TC-1 (Town Center Core) and MRC (Mixed Residential/ Commercial) FLU. The county purchased the property for $2.7 million. The intent is to develop it with commercial uses to relieve traffic from Highway 90 and the Five Point Interchange, with mixed-use development also considered. A single point of entry with a full-lighted intersection is planned, integrated with Berryhill Road widening. The county will enter a Request for Proposals (RFP) with a developer. The request was approved without objection. Concerns were raised about the density and potential impact on adjacent properties and roads. [Lands End Ln, Gulf Breeze; case 2026-7-RSS] Santa Rosa County, represented by Shawn Ward, AICP, Planning Director, requested a rezoning of 29 acres from R1 (Single Family Residential) and SFR (Single Family Residential) FLU to P1 (Passive Park) and CON/REC (Conservation/Recreation) FLU. This is a public-private partnership to acquire the environmentally sensitive property for conservation and passive recreation. The request was approved without objection. Concerns were raised about the maintenance of the private road (Lands End Lane) and security for the park. [Dickerson City Rd., Milton; case 2026-8-RSS] Alexander Hanson requested a rezoning from RR1 (Rural Residential Single Family) and GPRR (Garcon Point Rural Residential) FLU to AGRR (Rural Residential Agriculture) and AGRR (Agriculture Rural Residential) FLU for 6.33 acres. The applicant wants to cut hay and potentially store it in a pole barn. The request was approved without objection.