Community Roundtable - Planning Public Workshop - May 22, 2026 5:30PM

The Walton County Community Roundtable meeting held on May 22, 2026, focused extensively on the county's land development code rewrite and efforts to improve the building permit review (BPR) process. Key procurement-related discussions included the use of AI technology through SwiftGov to streamline permit reviews and reduce resubmittals, as well as the challenges with the current Intergov system and the need for technological improvements. Participants discussed stormwater management regulations, impervious surface ratio exemptions, and the potential for policy changes to rely more on licensed professionals' certifications to expedite reviews. The meeting also addressed procedural inefficiencies such as duplicative forms, notarization requirements, and the lengthy approval process for water and sewer permits, which delay construction starts. There was consensus on the need for clearer, standardized operating procedures and better communication between staff, developers, and the public. The county is considering breaking up the land development code amendments into smaller parts for more manageable approval and is exploring ways to incorporate expert input more effectively. Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize and improve development permitting processes to support growth while maintaining regulatory compliance and community involvement.