Panama City planning board approves text and land-use changes, tables warehouse project; variance denied

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The Panama City Planning Board voted on a package of zoning and code changes and several land-use applications Tuesday, approving most items and tabling one development for lack of applicant representation. The board also rejected a requested setback variance for a proposed single-family lot on West 19th Street.

The votes affect a mix of text amendments to the Unified Land Development Code, individual rezoning and annexation requests, and two major development approvals. Staff presented most items and remained the primary source for technical findings.

Why it matters: The board approved changes that tighten stormwater and road-acceptance standards, streamline subdivision plat review to an administrative technical-review process (consistent with state changes to section 177.071 of the Florida Statutes), and modestly raise density limits in the MU-2 zoning district from 10 to 12 units per acre. Those code changes alter how developers design stormwater ponds and demonstrate road construction to the city before the city will accept roads into its maintenance system. They also change which applications must appear before the appointed board and which can be handled administratively.

Votes at a glance

- Case 1190 (variance, 4403 W. 19th St.): Motion to approve variance failed; tally recorded as yes 3 / no 2 / motion failed (applicant requested a 3-foot setback variance; staff recommended denial). The board heard testimony from Simon Joguera,…