Planning Board backs rezoning at 8 Mile Creek and Mobile Highway despite spot‑zoning questions

The Escambia County Planning Board voted Aug. 4 to recommend a rezoning for a property at the intersection of 8 Mile Creek Road and Mobile Highway, forwarding the recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.

Caleb McCarthy, AICP, presented aerial photos and noted significant wetlands and a stream that would limit developable area. Meredith Bush, attorney and AICP planner for the applicant, said the rezoning would reduce density and allow limited retail: "The rezoning, would actually reduce density. In MDR, you could have 10 dwelling units. This goes down to 7, but it would allow for a small retail, you know, establishment less than 6,000 square feet." Bush also provided a supplemental compatibility analysis after staff findings and asked that it be added to the record; the board voted to accept the document.

Staff said the request met the comprehensive plan and Land Development Code criteria, but the board discussed a discrepancy in the road classification for 8 Mile Creek Road — a TTO letter had labeled the road "local" while county GIS indicated it as a collector. The staff said it would confirm classification with the TTO department before the record is finalized. With no public speakers, the board moved to recommend approval by voice/hand raise.

The Planning Board's recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners, which will consider the evidence and make the final decision.