Applicant seeks GC-2 zoning for Parker Drive parcel for boat/RV storage; planning board recommended denial

An applicant asked the Panama City Commission on May 13 to rezone a 0.665-acre parcel on Parker Drive to General Commercial (GC-2) and to change the city’s future land-use map to General Commercial to permit a boat, RV and trailer storage business.

Benjamin Jerakinis, who said he owns the parcel, described a low-impact storage operation with minimal utilities and said he planned an entrance from 13th Street. Michael Fuller, director of development services, confirmed that storage uses are permitted only in the GC-2 zoning district and explained development standards that would apply, including a required 10-foot landscape buffer and a screening fence or wall where a commercial use adjoins single-family residential property.

The planning board unanimously recommended denial at its April 14 meeting because of the site’s proximity to R-1 single-family properties. Members of the public who spoke at the commission meeting urged the commission to consider neighborhood impacts and noted some adjacent streets are residential in character. Resident Walter P. Henry asked whether notices and the required sign were posted; staff confirmed a notification sign was on site and notices were mailed to property owners within 300 feet.

Commissioners emphasized the benefit of visiting the site before a final vote; several requested staff verify the access point and confirmed Parker Drive does not extend through the entire block to 13th Street. The matter was presented as the first reading of two ordinances: Ordinance 32-64.1 (future land use) and Ordinance 32-64.2 (zoning map amendment to GC-2). No final rezoning vote was held; both items will return for a second reading.

Ending: Staff noted standards to screen commercial uses adjacent to single-family homes and said they will return for the second reading after any additional information and site verification requested by commissioners.

sections: {"lede":"An applicant asked the Panama City Commission on May 13 to rezone a 0.665-acre parcel on Parker Drive to General Commercial (GC-2) to permit a boat and RV storage lot.","nut_graf":"The planning board unanimously recommended denial because of the parcel’s proximity to single-family residences; staff confirmed required buffers and screening if the commission approves rezoning, and commissioners requested site verification before final action.","ending":"No final vote was taken; both future-land-use and zoning items are scheduled for second readings after staff follow-up." }