Possible Destin building restrictions cause stir

Nov. 08--DESTIN -- Potential changes to the city of Destin's 2020 Comprehensive Plan are reigniting a debate over development, high-rise buildings and how high is too high.

Developers and community leaders voiced their opinions to Destin City Council members Monday about proposed changes to the comp plan. One part of the plan that concerned some people was a provision that would reduce building height maximums to 50 feet in many future land use designations and 75 feet in the South Harbor Mixed Use, North Harbor Mixed Use and Town Center Mixed Use future land use designations.

Shane Moody, president and CEO of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, said the plan could hurt existing businesses if they are damaged in a hurricane or other natural disaster.

"In the grandfather clause, it doesn't sound like buildings that are in existence now are protected if they get more than 51 percent damage in a storm or a disaster," Moody told the council. "Which means that some of the better buildings we have in the community, if they get damaged, you can only go back to about three stories or four stories on them rather than six, eight or 10 that we may have now, which completely removes the value of those properties."

Moody also expressed concern that the height amendments would prevent Destin from building apartment complexes like the one going up on Commons Drive behind Fudpucker's.

Developer Peter Bos also opposed the amendments. He said implementing lower height restrictions may "feel good" but ultimately would inhibit development, including projects for affordable housing.

"Effectively, you're wiping out a whole market segment as we try to redevelop and create workforce housing, affordable housing, multi-family and those kinds of things on our north side of (U.S. Highway) 98," Bos said.

At least two people supported of the height requirements, asking the council, "How much more can this little peninsula take?"

Councilman Parker Destin sided with them. He said that allowing "unbridled development" in Destin to continue would be "blatantly irresponsible."

"We are one more development away from completely gridlocking the city, and I'm talking about on the north side of Highway 98 across from the Emerald Grande where the tattoo parlor is," Destin said, referring to a proposed 13-story condominium at the corner of Calhoun Avenue and Harbor Boulevard.

"I see these big alligator tears about, 'Oh, my investment, my investment,' " Destin continued. "But we have passed a point where if you keep on approving these monstrosity big box buildings without any parking congruency (or) traffic congruency, we're just doing it because some individuals want to make their full buck, and I can't stand for it."

The Council voted 4-2 to modify the proposed ordinance to include language in the grandfather clause that would offer more protection to existing structures built lawfully before the proposed amendments could be enacted.

Tuffy Dixon abstained from the vote because he said his wife is involved in the proposed 13-story condominium development. Cyron Marler and Jim Foreman cast the "no" votes. A first reading of the modified ordinance will go before the council before it moves forward.

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