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Commission approves land-use and zoning change at 9727 Highway 79 to allow boat sales and service
Summary
The Bay County commission approved a small-scale future land use amendment and zoning change to allow a boat sales and service facility at 9727 Highway 79 and a conditional use permit contingent on that approval. Planning staff said the property is about 1.5 acres and that the change aligns with surrounding Village Center designations.
The Bay County Board of County Commissioners on May 20 approved a future land use map amendment and a zoning change for property at 9727 Highway 79 to permit a boat sales and service facility, along with the conditional use permit the Bay County Planning Commission recommended April 15.
Wayne Porter of the county planning staff told the board the application seeks to change approximately 1.5 acres from Conservation (CSVH) to Village Center (VC) future land use and to rezone the parcel to VC. The planning commission reviewed the request on April 15 and found the proposed land-use and zoning changes consistent with the comprehensive plan and land-development regulations; staff recommended approval.
Why it matters: The Highway 79 corridor has been transitioning to Village Center designations; staff said properties immediately north, south and west of the subject parcel already carry VC designations. Approval clears the way for a boat sales and service business that the applicant says would include sales, service and some on-site storage for service work.
Discussion and clarifications - Access and median cut: Commissioners asked about driveway access. The applicant, Derek McCarty of North Star Engineering Services representing owner Bill Head, said the proposed access is via Sunday Circle on the north side. Mr. McCarty said preliminary conversations with the Florida Department of Transportation indicate FDOT is not currently interested in adding another access at the median opening; instead the plan is to use Sunday Circle access and coordinate drainage and access improvements with FDOT and county requirements.
- Boat storage and screening: Commissioner questions clarified that inventory displayed for sale would not be required to be screened from public view, while boats stored on-site for service (awaiting repair) would be subject to screening requirements similar to other storage facilities.
- Regulatory compliance: Staff said the property meets the regulations in LDR Table 16.2 and that Highway 79 is designated an arterial roadway in the comprehensive plan.
Outcome: The board voted to approve the small-scale amendment (PLD PA 20250052), the zone change (PLZCA 20250051) and the conditional use permit (conditional upon the approvals). Roll call recorded affirmative votes from Commissioner Carroll, Commissioner Crosby, Commissioner Raffield, Commissioner Peace and Chairman Moore.
Ending: The applicant and staff said they will proceed with permit steps and coordinate required access and drainage work with FDOT and county staff.
