Beginning Jan. 1, no new homes over 2,500 square feet on half-acre lots or smaller can be built in Grayton Beach and developers might be required to put in more parking than is now required on residential structures. The moratorium was granted by Walton County commissioners at their regular board meeting Tuesday. It will be in effect for 45 days and will impact only that area of Grayton Beach south of County Road 30-A between Western Lake and Alligator Lake. Residents in favor of the moratorium were given 45 days to come up with evidence for the county commission that the majority of Grayton Beach residents support more restrictive guidelines for their neighborhood. Those against the large rental homes say developers are manipulating the building code and are building hotels under the guise of single-family residential homes.
Opponents cite problems with parking, stormwater runoff and compatibility.
Some Grayton residents do not support the moratorium and think they have the right to use their property as they see fit as long as they adhere to current building guidelines. A campaign against the moratorium and against more restrictive building guidelines for Grayton Beach has been gaining momentum and letters against it are being circulated. The ordinance will be proposed as an amendment to the county's Land Development Code and proposes building size constraint requirements for new residential development on small lots. Copies of the proposal can be picked up at the planning department at the South Walton Courthouse Annex on U.S. 331 South. The ordinance establishes new setbacks, building height restrictions and parking requirements.