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Bay County panel approves variance for 8202 Old Way to allow 5‑foot buffer and vinyl fence
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a variance reducing landscape buffer from 25 to 5 feet and allowing a vinyl screen fence at 8202 Old Way (West Bay), finding lot shape and size create a hardship. Staff had recommended approval and no public opposition spoke at the hearing.
The Bay County Planning Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 19 to approve a variance allowing a reduction of the required landscape buffer from 25 feet to 5 feet and permitting a vinyl fence at 8202 Old Way (near Highway 79) in the West Bay area.
Planning staff recommended the variance, telling the commission the parcel’s triangular shape and size—under half an acre—create a hardship that substantially limits use if the full buffer and other zoning standards apply. "Staff feels that there is substantial information to suggest that a hardship is present," staff said in recommending approval.
Mark House, representing Griffin Commerce Plaza and speaking for the applicant, said engineers tested site layouts for about 20 different uses and concluded that standard parking and circulation requirements would force parking into the buffer area. He proposed a 5‑foot landscape buffer plus a solid vinyl fence—typically 6 feet tall—to screen adjacent properties. "If we take that down to 5 feet and put a solid vinyl fence for screening, we think it'd be conducive with that corner," House said.
No members of the public spoke on the item. Commissioner (speaker 12) moved to approve staff’s recommendation; the motion carried by roll call with Commissioners Christie, Daffin, Carter, Hayman and Honeycutt voting yes.
The approval is subject to the conditions and findings attached to the staff recommendation and proceeds through any remaining development‑order requirements for fences and site improvements.
