City of Panama City Planning Board Meeting 09142026

The City of Panama City Planning Board held a meeting on September 14, 2026, addressing multiple land use and zoning matters. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of vacation of city right-of-ways to facilitate property development, such as the vacation request by M and J Land and Marine LLC to abandon an unimproved portion of Ferry Avenue, which was approved unanimously. The board also considered rezoning and variance requests, including a denial of a rezoning from residential to mixed-use for a property at 803 Oak Avenue. Additionally, the board reviewed and recommended approval of text amendments to the land development code, including a temporary moratorium on AI data centers to allow policy development and amendments to allow recycling facilities in light industrial zones with environmental protections. The board discussed the comprehensive plan update process, highlighting challenges posed by Senate Bill 180 that restricts adoption of more stringent policies until 2028, and planned a series of workshops to review the plan's elements. The meeting included public comments on the comprehensive plan, with concerns about transportation connectivity, recreation standards, port expansion, shoreline erosion, air quality policies, and school facilities. Motions were passed to approve or deny various land use requests, and to continue the comprehensive plan review to the next meeting on October 12, 2026, with plans for detailed workshops and public engagement.