Commissioners approve rezone for commercial vehicle and RV parking at 1890 Highway 81 with conditions

The Walton County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning and conditional use permitting outdoor storage and commercial-vehicle parking at 1890 Highway 81, subject to conditions proposed by the applicant and added by the board. Applicant David Berg, representing Kibram Kadin (KMK Express LLC), requested rezoning of 8.734 acres from A1 to B2 to allow parking of commercial trucks and RVs and a conditional use for outdoor storage. Berg said the property includes a 200-foot setback and a substantial tree buffer along Highway 81, and that the operation would use key-code access and 24-hour video surveillance. During the public hearing, no one spoke in opposition before the board took action. Commissioner Shellnut moved to approve the rezoning with the conditions proffered by the applicant plus two additional conditions from the board: no fuel storage and no hazardous-waste storage because of the site's proximity to a school. The motion also included the applicant—s proffered conditions of no overnight stays and limits on idling. The board approved the request; staff recorded the motion, a second and a favorable vote. The planning commission had recommended denial at its earlier meeting, citing concerns that the board addressed through the proffered conditions and the applicant—s commitments. Why it matters: the approval changes the land-use designation for a parcel in District 3 and allows a commercial storage and parking use next to schools and other properties; the conditions aim to address neighbors— safety and environmental concerns. County staff will follow up with the applicant on the required development plan, fencing and driveway requirements that typically accompany outside storage uses under county code.