Planning board approves variance to exceed accessory-structure size limit after hurricane rebuild

Planning staff told the Panama City Planning Board on July 20 that an applicant is seeking a variance to exceed the 60% accessory-structure square-footage cap under section 110-4 of the Unified Land Development Code. Staff said the primary residence had been rebuilt following a hurricane, the house footprint is small, and the owner needs additional storage (staff cited a boat) that causes the accessory building to exceed the 60% limit. Staff recommended approval.

Jeffrey Driggers, appearing virtually and sworn for the record, described the project as the start of a longer-term plan and asked the panel for leniency so the applicant could pursue the work: "This all started with a dream ... just hoping for some leniency," he said. Driggers confirmed he had been sworn in earlier.

Board members asked no substantive follow-up questions in the transcript excerpt and no opponents or additional public commenters were recorded on the item. A motion to approve the variance was made, seconded and passed by a 3-0 roll call vote.

Staff characterized the request as a post-hurricane rebuild issue and emphasized there were no setback conflicts; the transcript included the staff recommendation for approval but did not list specific conditions attached to the approval. The board adjourned after completing the agenda.