Old Seagrove Beach Welcomes New Community Plan!

Old Seagrove Beach approves new community plan, introducing restrictions to preserve its historic charm and manage growth.

Old Seagrove Beach, a picturesque neighborhood known for its towering oak trees, charming cottages, and sandy streets, is on the verge of a new chapter. Residents who’ve long been concerned about rapid development, the rise of towering mega-homes, and the influx of short-term vacation rentals can now celebrate the initial approval of a new community plan designed to safeguard the area’s historic character and natural beauty. This grassroots effort, initiated by long-time locals and newer residents alike, aims to curb overdevelopment and preserve what makes Old Seagrove special.

The Old Seagrove Neighborhood Plan introduces several new restrictions, including:

• Building Height Reduction: The maximum building height is reduced from 50 feet to 40 feet, ensuring new homes do not overshadow the neighborhood’s iconic cottages or obstruct scenic views.

• Increased Setback Requirements: Side yard setbacks have been increased from 5 feet to 7.5 feet, providing more breathing room between homes and maintaining the open, spacious feel of Old Seagrove.

• Vacation Rental Limits: A key focus of the plan is limiting short-term vacation rentals to a maximum of six bedrooms in the main house. This change aims to reduce the strain on infrastructure caused by large rental groups and alleviate some of the traffic and parking challenges residents have experienced.

• Enhanced Tree Protection: Old Seagrove’s majestic oak trees, a defining feature of the area, will now be better protected. The new plan requires a tree survey before any new construction can take place and imposes stricter mitigation requirements to preserve these iconic oaks for future generations.

• Signage Standards: To maintain the neighborhood’s aesthetic appeal, new standards for short-term rental signage have been set. These signs will now be limited to a maximum of 4 square feet and must be affixed to a fence or structure to reduce visual clutter.

• Street Design Standards: The plan also includes new street design standards aimed at preserving Old Seagrove’s rustic streets while ensuring safe and accessible roadways for residents and visitors.

What's Next for the Neighborhood Plan?

Although the neighborhood vote is a significant win for Old Seagrove residents, the community plan still requires approval from the Walton County Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) before it can be fully enacted and enforced. The approval process includes three public hearings where the community can voice their support, concerns, or suggestions.

The public hearing schedule is as follows:

• Thursday, October 10 @ 4 PM – Planning Commission Meeting, Freeport Board Room
• Tuesday, October 22 @ 1 PM – BCC Meeting, Freeport Board Room
• Thursday, November 26 @ 1 PM – BCC Meeting, South Walton Annex

These meetings represent the final hurdle for the plan, and resident participation is crucial. Attending these hearings or submitting comments in writing can help ensure that the finalized plan reflects the wishes of Old Seagrove property owners, rather than external influences or development interests.

If you are unable to attend, please send your comments of support before these meetings:

• By mail: Walton County Planning Dept, ATTN: Karen Owens, 842 East Highway 20, Suite 110, Freeport, FL 32439
• By email: oweKaren@co.walton.fl.us

A Community-Driven Effort

The overwhelming support for the neighborhood plan is a testament to the strong sense of community in Old Seagrove. Over 85% of property owners who participated in the vote endorsed the plan, reflecting a shared vision to manage growth in a way that preserves the area’s charm and history while accommodating the needs of modern living.

For years, the residents of Old Seagrove have expressed growing concerns over the direction of development in their community. The replacement of quaint cottages with towering structures, coupled with the proliferation of short-term vacation rentals, has led to increased traffic, noise, and wear on local infrastructure. Perhaps most alarming to many were the threats to the community’s beloved oak trees, which have provided shade and character to Old Seagrove for over a century.

In response, residents have worked tirelessly to draft a plan that strikes a balance between growth and preservation. This plan is not just about protecting the past—it’s about ensuring that future generations can experience the same sense of place and community that makes Old Seagrove so unique.

Looking Ahead

The Old Seagrove Neighborhood Plan represents a thoughtful, forward-thinking approach to growth management. By introducing reasonable restrictions on development, short-term rentals, and tree preservation, the plan aims to maintain the integrity of the neighborhood while allowing for responsible and sustainable progress.

As Old Seagrove moves forward, the next few weeks will be crucial. With final approval from Walton County still required, the continued involvement of the community is essential. The plan has laid the foundation for a future that respects Old Seagrove’s history and charm, but residents must stay engaged to ensure that vision is fully realized.

For more information about the Old Seagrove Neighborhood Plan, including detailed maps and official documents, visit the Walton County Neighborhood Plan website here.

Get Involved

Your voice matters. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to Old Seagrove, now is the time to make sure your opinion is heard. Attend the upcoming public hearings, send in your comments, and help shape the future of our community. Together, we can ensure that Old Seagrove remains a place of beauty, history, and community for generations to come.