Bay County planners recommend industrial rezoning for about 110 acres near Allington Shipyard

At a legislative public hearing on Nov. 18, 2025, the Bay County Planning Commission recommended that the Board and the state Department of Commerce approve a large-scale future-land-use amendment (PLDPA20250222) and a zoning change (PLZCA20250216) to reclassify about 110 acres at 13500 and 14311 Allington Road in the Sandy Creek area from conservation/low-density residential to industrial/Industrial-2.

Ian Crowling, director for community development, and staff described the proposal as consistent with the comprehensive plan and adjacent to existing industrial parcels, including the Allington Shipyard to the west. Crowling said utilities and infrastructure were sufficient to support expanded industrial use and noted that some land along the east side is protected by a perpetual conservation easement, which staff described as a buffer.

Ron Rogers, speaking for the applicant, said the change is largely a "cleanup" to match historic storage and shipyard-related uses on the land and noted onsite stormwater ponds and storage activity. Local landowner George Callas asked whether both parcels were included, raised questions about addresses and the property-appraiser mapping, and expressed concern about limited infrastructure and dirt roads in the area; staff clarified that the two adjoining parcels shown in the meeting materials were the subject of the hearing and that any future parcels would require separate review.

Following the public comment period, commissioners moved and seconded approval and recorded unanimous yes votes by roll call. Staff will forward the recommended large-scale amendment to the Board and to the Department of Commerce for their review, per the statutory process for large-scale plan amendments.