Planning board recommends code change on RV and boat storage: approved paving systems and clarified visibility triangle

The Panama City Planning Board on Jan. 13 recommended edits to the Unified Land Development Code governing storage of boats and recreational vehicles in residential areas, voting 5-0 to forward the changes to City Commission hearings on Feb. 11 (first reading) and Feb. 25 (second reading).

Staff presented proposed language that clarifies where boats and RVs may be stored on residential premises, and that requires placement on a paving surface. Staff said the draft initially listed "concrete or asphalt," but the board directed staff to change subsection b.1.2 to use the phrase "approved paving systems" so the code references the city’s accepted paving standards rather than a narrow material list.

Staff also explained the purpose of a "site visibility triangle" intended to keep intersections, driveways and sidewalks free of visual obstructions that could endanger vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. The board instructed staff to remove a direct reference to "front yard" in subsection b.1.4 and instead to prohibit storage within the defined visibility triangle. Staff said the development services director is the official interpreter of the code and would make enforcement determinations when complaints arise.

Public commenters raised points about enforceability, gravel and paver driveways, and driveway setbacks. Eric Wimberley, a resident of Briarcliff, asked whether the visibility‑triangle definition would leave too much discretion to enforcement staff; staff replied that a definition is included in the draft and that the development services director makes official interpretations. Russell Reynolds, another resident, noted that building setbacks differ from driveway pavement placement and that existing driveways may abut property lines; staff said the proposal applies to permitted driveways and referenced a typical three‑foot buffer between pavement edge and property line used in reviews.

Board member Barker moved to replace the "concrete or asphalt" wording with "approved paving systems" and to remove the front‑yard phrasing in favor of the visibility‑triangle restriction; a second was recorded and the board approved the changes by roll call, 5-0. Staff said the board's recommendation will go to the City Commission on the dates provided. The board and staff emphasized the amendment is intended to reduce cluttering of rights‑of‑way and to improve sight lines for driver and pedestrian safety.

What happens next: The recommended amendments will appear before the City of Panama City Commission for first reading on Feb. 11 and second reading on Feb. 25; if adopted, the updated ULDC language will be enforced by the Development Services department.