Bay County Commission Denies Mound Avenue Commercial Zone Change Request

In a recent meeting of the Bay County Planning Commission, a significant discussion centered around a proposed change in land use for a property located at 2312 Mound Avenue in unincorporated Panama City. The applicant is seeking to amend the future land use designation of a quarter-acre parcel from residential to general commercial, alongside a zoning change from single-family residential to general commercial.

This request is not new; it follows previous applications submitted in 2013, which aimed for the same changes. The property, once home to a residence, has faced scrutiny from Bay County code enforcement due to unauthorized commercial use. After a series of delays and attempts to engage with neighboring property owners, the applicant withdrew earlier applications and made efforts to comply with zoning regulations by removing pavement and stored inventory from the site.

During the meeting, staff highlighted concerns regarding the compatibility of the proposed commercial designation with the surrounding residential area. They noted that such a change could lead to public nuisances and negatively impact neighboring properties. As a result, the commission recommended that the proposed small-scale amendment be deemed inconsistent with the current land use and zoning designations.

This decision reflects the commission's commitment to maintaining the character of residential neighborhoods while balancing the interests of property owners seeking commercial opportunities. The outcome of this hearing underscores the ongoing dialogue in Bay County about land use and community development, as residents and officials navigate the complexities of growth and zoning regulations.