Commissioners approve rezone to create two residential lots on Wall Road with buffer requirement

The Walton County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning to change 2.45 acres from A2 to R1 to create two buildable residential lots at 0 Wall Road. The applicant, Brent Miller, said both lots will have more than 190 feet of road frontage and that soil testing showed sufficient capacity for conventional septic systems. One adjoining neighbor, Larry Mitcalf, spoke in opposition, citing concerns about his well and the proximity of additional septic systems and houses to his property. He asked that the board protect his backyard and water resources. Applicant Brent Miller told the board county water is available at the road and reiterated that soil tests indicate adequate soil for septic systems. He said the proposed homes would be about 3,000 to 3,500 square feet, likely ranch-style, and would face Wall Road with separate driveways. A motion to approve included conditions: the applicant must comply with health-department requirements for septic systems and provide as much screening buffer as feasible between the new houses and Mr. Mitcalf's property. The motion passed unanimously after a second. Why it matters: the rezone creates two residential build sites in an area with mostly large-lot development; the board added a screening requirement to address neighbor concerns about privacy and potential impacts to wells and yard space. Planning staff will require a development plan showing septic-location approvals and buffer planting prior to issuance of building permits.