Scenic zones on 98, 399 proposed

At Monday’s commission meeting, a presentation was made before commissioners by the United Peninsula  Association on a proposed designation of scenic zones along US 98 and County Road 399 in the south end of the county.

Don Richards with UPA came before commissioners to discuss the route, which would make new businesses implement a clean roadway landscape, and would restrict billboards and large signs near residential areas.

The UPA, an organization out of south Santa Rosa County is composed of citizens and business owners who work with elected officials in the area to help bring growth to the peninsula.

“This runs along Naval Oaks to the Okaloosa and Santa Rosa County border, and up 399 from 98 to 97,” said Don Richards.  “This is similar to what Walton County did with their roadways to get their scenic zones.”

The plan would call for fewer signs and more shrubbery in front of businesses, along with a clear building number that would be visible from the road, and easier for motorists to read.

 “This specific designation would encourage safer pedestrian and vehicle traffic along the corridors, but at the same time, retaining as much natural vegetation as possible,” Richards said.

 Richards said he also wants to limit the size of the signs that would cover up vegetation in order to give the roadway a more natural look.   A minimum 500-foot distance would need to separate residential properties from any new or enhanced billboards.

“Under enhanced standards, we are resembling those proven to work in Walton County,” Richards said. “We will reward businesses that conform to the proposed standards.”

Those rewards would come in the form of grants that would honor businesses that keep up with the proposed zoning requirements.  On the other hand, those businesses that are in violation of the scenic zones code, or aren’t able to upkeep the new requirements would be investigated by UPA.

“Citizens could report any potential code violations,” Richards said. “These reports would be verified and that business or property owner would be investigated.”

Businesses that currently have their own sign or vegetated property would have 20 years to comply with the standards brought on by the UPA if approved.

Commissioner Gordon Goodin questioned whether the 20-year grandfather clause would be long enough for existing businesses to implement the new change.

“It’s a 20-year plan, but when will it be determined as a success, and how will we measure that?,” Goodin asked Richards.

Goodin also questioned whether old businesses would be able to compete with newer businesses that are able to comply with the requirements. 

“How will new businesses next door be able to compete with new businesses?,” Goodin asked. “It’s at an unfair advantage for them.”

Richards asked to hold four workshops around the south end of the county in order to get advice and comments from local business owners, and more importantly the citizens of the county.  Goodin and other board members encouraged his request, but said it may be a while before anything is considered.

“This is definitely not a short term, but a long term change for the county,” Commissioner Lane Lynchard said. “We need businesses along 98 to give their vote.”

Joseph McPherson, a concerned resident said that the commission meeting was bringing back memories of the sign ordinance discussion that happened nearly a month ago. 

“I went to that sign ordinance meeting, and there we saw several points brought up, that were brought up today,” McPherson said.  “We should think about where the money is going to before we jump into this.”

Paul Rollins, a county citizen said this project could bring about change, but said it could be a while before it takes place because of the grandfather clause.

“Redevelopment won’t happen now, but it will happen overtime,” he said. “I think this is a good time to look at the issue and pursue it.”

Commissioners asked Richards to hold the meetings and to get more input before any further action was taken.