Bay County planning panel backs rezoning near Panama City Beach Parkway for pool showroom

The Bay County Planning Commission on Feb. 18 recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve a zoning change for about 0.8 acres at the northeast corner of Panama City Beach Parkway and Paradise Boulevard, forwarding a recommendation to rezone the parcel from C-2 (Plaza Commercial) to C-3 (General Commercial).

Wayne Porter, a county staff member, told the commission the parcel already has a general commercial future land-use designation and "meets the minimum bulk regulations of the C-3 zoning as detailed in LDR table 6.1." Porter said staff found the requested amendment compatible with the surrounding corridor and recommended the commission find the zone change consistent with the comprehensive plan and the Land Development Regulations and forward approval to the Board of County Commissioners. The staff report included no conditions.

Applicant Daniel Fields, owner of FNF Pools, said he plans to use the site as a showroom and to store company vehicles. "We've got approximately 5 of [fleet vehicles] and a couple of trailers," Fields said, and explained he sought C-3 zoning in order to legally keep those vehicles on the lot. He described the showroom as a display of tile, plaster, decking and other pool materials and said he hopes to include enhanced landscaping.

Two nearby residents spoke during public comment. Frank Pellegrini, president of the homeowners association behind the lot, said the HOA is "very happy that you bought the lot," but asked about the location of the entrance, drainage and the back-of-lot plan; he noted the neighborhood recently installed a fence worth about $200,000 and asked that the applicant avoid creating storm- or tree-related threats to that fence. William Budd, a Paradise Boulevard resident, raised concerns about traffic and access, saying the site sits near a deceleration lane into the private road and asking how a new entrance might affect residents' ability to enter and leave the neighborhood.

Fields responded that he has begun conversations with the Florida Department of Transportation and that DOT indicated a survey would be needed; he said DOT suggested a right-turn-in from the deceleration lane may be possible and that he would try to locate the entrance as far east on the parcel as DOT would allow.

Commission discussion noted there was no opposition from the immediately surrounding community. A motion to approve staff's recommendation was made and seconded; the commission then called the roll. Planning Commission members Mr. Daffin, Mr. Heyman and Mr. Honeycutt each voted yes. The chair announced, "Motion carries," and the commission's recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration.