Gulf County denies Indian Pass RV-park expansion, citing incomplete technical approvals and local concerns

The Gulf County Board of County Commissioners denied a development order application for an Indian Pass RV campground expansion on a 5-0 vote, concluding the record did not provide sufficient technical detail — particularly on wastewater, stormwater and geotechnical issues — and after extensive legal and planning debate about state preemption of local rules.

The decision followed a multi-hour quasi-judicial hearing in which the applicant sought permission to increase an existing campground from 44 pads to 78 pads and to carry out related site improvements. The commission's motion to deny was made by Commissioner Husband and seconded by Commissioner McCrone; the motion passed unanimously, and the development order request was refused.

County planners and the applicant debated whether state law and Department of Health rules limit local authority over RV-park density and setbacks. The applicant's counsel argued the county is preempted by state statute and by recent floodplain management ordinances; county staff pointed to the Gulf County Land…