Lynn Haven commissioners keep RV/right-of-way item on agenda after debate over how to measure violations

A pre-commission meeting of the Lynn Haven City Commission featured extensive discussion about enforcement and public confusion stemming from a recently revised ordinance that restricts recreational vehicles and certain items in the city's public right-of-way.

Commissioner (unnamed) opened the discussion by saying inconsistent placement of water meters and sidewalks across neighborhoods complicates enforcement. "A lot of the things are not standardized," the commissioner said, adding that the city needs a clear, readable enforcement guide for residents.

Staff members said the recent notices to property owners resulted from a targeted, neighborhood-by-neighborhood canvas prompted by multiple complaints from one resident after neighboring Panama City revised its ordinance. "Prior to, we didn't have any complaints at all," a staff member said, and the city conducted a spot-check of its older ordinance to see how enforcement would play out.

What staff called "notices" — letters informing owners they were in violation and giving 30 days to comply — accounted for roughly 33 opened cases in the neighborhood canvass. Staff estimated about 95% of owners self-corrected and that roughly "15 or 20" corrected immediately after receiving notice. The staff member described the process: if a property does not comply after the notice period, staff may return and ultimately issue a citation and refer the matter to the special magistrate. "We're giving you 30 days to comply," the staff member said. "If they don't comply, then it will start the process of going before the magistrate."

Commissioners debated which field reference should be written into the ordinance or used administratively. Several commissioners argued the water meter is the most practical on-site measure; others warned that sidewalks and telephone poles are unevenly placed and could create more confusion. Staff said that, in practice, code officers use the county GIS right-of-way line when a water meter is not a clear marker and that a surveyor and the magistrate can resolve disputed cases. "If a citizen is not sure if your RV is parked in any portion of the right-of-way, you have two avenues," a staff member said: request an inspection or contest a notice before the magistrate.

Commissioners also raised process and equity concerns. One commissioner asked whether enforcement that relies on complaint reporting — and which might identify complainants in correspondence — could inflame neighbor disputes. Staff responded that state statute and current practice limit how complaints are handled; staff said they attempt door-to-door contact and frequently grant extensions when residents can't comply within 30 days.

To reduce confusion, multiple commissioners asked staff to amend the city website's wording. The site currently highlights "utility right-of-way" language that several commissioners said has led residents to search the wrong policy and misunderstand what the ordinance covers. Staff agreed to review and clarify the online wording and to consider adding a plain-language definition of "public right-of-way."

Commissioners also discussed whether the ordinance should include a narrowly framed, temporary exception for overnight guests in RVs who notify the city; they noted the risk that multiple notifications could be used to extend stays and create de-facto long-term parking. The commission decided to keep the RV/right-of-way item on the formal commission agenda the next day to accept public comment and consider any ordinance adjustments.

The discussion did not result in any new formal action during the pre-commission meeting. Staff said the current enforcement approach emphasizes notices, voluntary compliance and the magistrate process for contested cases.

The commission asked staff to bring back clarified website language and to expect robust public comment at the next meeting.