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Bay County planning panel approves front-setback variance for Gulfview Drive lot
Summary
The Bay County Planning Commission on Nov. 18 approved a variance reducing the front setback from 20 feet to 14 feet 2 inches for a vacant lot at 91 Gulfview Drive in unincorporated Panama City Beach; the applicant was not present and there were no public comments.
The Bay County Planning Commission voted unanimously on Nov. 18, 2025, to approve PLVAR20250219, a variance reducing the front building setback from 20 feet to 14 feet 2 inches for a vacant corner lot at 91 Gulfview Drive in the unincorporated Panama City Beach area.
Hope Stewart of Bay County Planning and Zoning told commissioners the irregular rounded shape of the corner lot "places unusual constraints on designing a reasonable building" and recommended approval "based on the attached findings." The applicant did not attend the hearing, and no members of the public spoke for or against the request.
Commission discussion focused on lot tightness and sight lines. Ian Crowling, director for community development, said the site plan "doesn't look like it's gonna diminish any line of sight." A motion to approve was made and seconded and carried by roll-call vote with all commissioners present voting yes.
The variance applies to an R-1 single-family residential lot currently undeveloped. Because this was a quasi-judicial public hearing, the commission considered ex parte communications (none were reported) and heard staff findings that supported a hardship finding tied to the lot geometry. The commission recorded the vote and approved the variance; the transcript does not record any conditions beyond the reduced setback.
