City of Panama City Planning Board Meeting 05112026

The City of Panama City Planning Board convened on May 11, 2026, to discuss several zoning and development cases. Key procurement-related discussions included a variance request for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) exceeding the 15-foot height limit at 405 Hollis Avenue, where the board approved a variance to maintain the existing 16-foot height after inspections revealed the structure exceeded code limits. Another significant item was the approval of a major development request for replacing an existing asphalt plant in a heavy industrial zone by ASC Ventures 1 LLC, aimed at meeting increased demand with a more stable batch plant. Additionally, the board reviewed rezoning requests, including a land use amendment from neighborhood residential to neighborhood general for a property owned by the Bay County School Board to align with adjacent uses, and a small-scale land use amendment and rezoning from Mixed Use 2 to General Commercial 2 for a parcel on Grace Avenue. The latter prompted community concerns about potential commercial development impacts on residential areas, with staff clarifying that the rezoning would impose stricter setbacks and buffers. Motions to approve the variance and development requests passed unanimously, while rezoning recommendations will proceed to the City Commission for final approval. The meeting also addressed procedural clarifications and community input regarding development compatibility and buffer requirements.