[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6386695,"mediaKeyId","2117682-ba6cf00d8e718c91c9c08d63e2f2a069","parentId",2117682,"title","Commission begins work to tighten rules on accessory structures, moving pods, shipping containers and RVs; asks attorney to draft ordinance language","audioSeconds",2033,"startMs",5786000,"endMs",7819000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117682-ba6cf00d8e718c91c9c08d63e2f2a069&start=5786&end=7819","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117682-ba6cf00d8e718c91c9c08d63e2f2a069/thumbnail_5786000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6386695/Lynn-Haven/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-begins-work-to-tighten-rules-on-accessory-structures-moving-pods-shipping-containers-and-RVs-asks-attorney-to-draft-ordinance-language","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386695-751af6c6cb739a1ae6e6846824fa790a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442746&Signature=eL9TtQC2zDpBgNuA1sFw1~e5ex-99aNUHlMrInyUec1AjaOVxTnWS4UIx1ilX4xnYyntB0c0aoHxcAhIrA0GcdbQBe9H8dxZAH1eQxfiUPnXZs6-NjUNyRvGahbL3SjcjqCAJo6C0nX3zSySpW~lrMy21VQGSNyDevx7trqTCS4ZD~SVg4g9mytLr-NoS8jHwrclBa-J9vRfpSaPX870C-tbDlmx3TTiNSjVwCABFJLCgIXAaG8KXparFtvS5Tg3JJRfQhlnqrSHG3iAIePmtjKwR1P6vAevAFiyOzWFhI9ZbKqUxmd1hBOcxs8d3c5-zGh5Zs79ice0reoTI76EAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Lynn Haven Florida","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","The Lynn Haven City Commission opened an extended discussion on Jan. 14 about accessory structures after staff and commissioners described recurring code-enforcement complaints about moving storage pods, large shipping containers and recreational vehicles (RVs) parked in yards or driveways.

Staff said current city rules do not clearly classify some portable storage units and noted they routinely find temporary moving pods placed in front yards and driveways. Several commissioners suggested allowing portable moving pods in front yards only for a short, specified period (for example, 14–30 days) with an option for owners to request extensions in writing tied to a specific plan for removal. Commissioner Ward said anchoring and setbacks should be required if an accessory structure is permanent.

Commissioners also discussed larger shipping containers. Some commissioners favored prohibiting shipping containers because of concerns about size, aesthetics and potential long-term use as detached living units. Others said existing rules limiting accessory-structure square footage and rear-yard coverage might already prevent many uses but acknowledged ambiguity. Commissioners asked the city attorney to draft two alternatives: (1) a prohibitive approach (ban shipping containers visible from a right of way or in yards) and (2) a permissive but regulated approach (allow containers as accessory structures only subject to size, aesthetics and screening requirements).

RVs also drew sustained comment. Staff reported roughly 300 registered RVs currently located on city properties, some parked in driveways or under pole barns. Commissioners expressed concern about long-term placement that creates a cluttered appearance or blocks sight lines. Several commissioners said they did not want to ban RV ownership or regular lawful use but wanted clearer, objective standards for allowable parking, condition and duration; staff said a code that relies on objective measures (registration, operable condition, not on blocks, anchoring rules) would be easier to enforce.

The commission did not adopt a final ordinance; it asked the city attorney and staff to draft specific proposed language to return at a future meeting. Staff said proposed language will include temporary-use limits for moving pods in front yards, options for extensions when homeowners show a plan and a choice of draft language on shipping containers (prohibit vs. regulated allowance). The commission indicated it prefers to make any permanent-container allowances subject to anchoring, screening/fencing and aesthetic standards so they resemble permitted accessory structures rather than raw shipping boxes.

Commissioners asked that any new rules not be retroactive in a punitive way and that staff provide a reasonable window for compliance and public notice when the ordinance is adopted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","1/14/2025 9:00am Lynn Haven Commission Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After residents and staff raised complaints about front-yard moving pods, shipping containers and parked recreational vehicles, the commission directed staff and the city attorney to draft clearer rules: temporary allowances for moving pods in front yards, possible prohibitions or limits on shipping containers, and refined RV parking rules.","taxTitle","Lynn Haven, Bay County, Florida","taxId",52331,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6386705,"Commission transmits Comprehensive Plan amendments (Ordinance 1176) to state for review",368,5458000,5826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117682-ba6cf00d8e718c91c9c08d63e2f2a069&start=5458&end=5826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117682-ba6cf00d8e718c91c9c08d63e2f2a069/thumbnail_5458000.jpg","/articles/6386705/Lynn-Haven/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-transmits-Comprehensive-Plan-amendments-Ordinance-1176-to-state-for-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386705-5490401bfafa5ad097a7a9ece60ac1f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442746&Signature=Wxn2quvQM-n5j4~oLJUZjR4IruwpRP1WepctBatqDBkpBaFyntrl78slI-TL2tjLhS1kKuzZDQQkAAGomKJzlwaTdzIHq~-S~9MBKwpL66ayxoFChoMDwyIBKjUwB7uqmwCOoNVFIiwrGu~zD89oyk~4ueVSLyMMV4EvIXfFHOklktbSZ4urpHDQW9F0q4MTK1J9uLuxD21-FKqMIOTvurG0-4Po0iXbcuuUIvPTiYbdT02v-4GBfL1u6qkfCCbeFQnqpc4QyqBWMXVyZdch04gJ8RvOBZmCoc~kQPU7pjfd1AOxx4fF2VkB5kFKPcwWwL7b8lHwSjy-YtSbtVxZFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lynn Haven City Commission voted to transmit Ordinance 1176, a package of comprehensive-plan amendments informed by the city’s Evaluation and Appraisal Report, to the state for review.

City staff summarized the ordinance on first reading: the amendments update population projections and level-of-service standards, add policies on group homes, address stormwater master planning and capital improvements, and add coastal management objectives including sea-level-rise considerations. The city manager and planning staff explained that the transmittal is procedural: the changes will be reviewed by multiple state review offices and may return with state-requested modifications before the second reading and final local adoption.

Commissioners discussed procedure and timing: the commission approved transmittal on first reading and staff said the state typically provides comments that the city will address before returning for second reading and public hearing. The commission’s vote to transmit was recorded and will allow the city to begin the state review process.","The commission approved transmittal of a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment (Ordinance 1176) — an Evaluation and Appraisal Report-based update to multiple plan elements — sending the package to state review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6386713,"Commission approves resolution supporting FDOT grant for Carolina Avenue and West 14th Street sidewalk",56,4821000,4877000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117682-ba6cf00d8e718c91c9c08d63e2f2a069&start=4821&end=4877","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117682-ba6cf00d8e718c91c9c08d63e2f2a069/thumbnail_4821000.jpg","/articles/6386713/Lynn-Haven/Bay-County/Florida/Commission-approves-resolution-supporting-FDOT-grant-for-Carolina-Avenue-and-West-14th-Street-sidewalk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386713-446577a34baac2e69ab49c971c1a48ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442746&Signature=fSdioUQUBWAbCaXtH8ZBE6oWvgriYdLUXnTnxVfepU5F2GU~CJX23nFQHTazL~1Ixs7tbenBZ3g-c6pREEqPLf9vobzkk5uzcKHTh7OCJYWNowmMrtvQ7lwrSE5CRN4msQymFFE1brGZy~PaEZbq-pDdQ9euD3wkpy8KV7otK~aCbJPHxrD0gLHtYdtubwqNlJ1KlwLE15iZGTxyxetQpMgduqgtdZAjoigGcByporxOpuTLFc-WjYKSb4mKpoUGAGDj-VTHGAaRHIW~5~NRENR7zpItDlMdqnZ2M0kbH2Hx8gnGK-dtnTBFGuPVSFu5zp6is7v8hvHgXqgGZetZGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lynn Haven City Commission voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2025-01448, a measure supporting a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program grant application for sidewalk construction on Carolina Avenue and West 14th Street.

City Manager read the resolution title by title, describing it as a formal expression of the city’s support for construction of a sidewalk on Carolina Avenue and West 14th Street using Transportation Alternatives set-aside funds. Commissioner Ward moved to approve the resolution; Commissioner Peebles seconded. There were no public comments. The city manager called the roll and each commissioner voted yes; the motion passed.

The city manager said the city will prepare and submit required application paperwork and follow the state deadlines for grant materials.","The commission unanimously approved Resolution 2025-01448 to support a Transportation Alternatives Program grant application to build sidewalks on Carolina Avenue and West 14th Street.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6386721,"Lynn Haven commission debates, then ratifies overtime payment to city manager after public challenge over possible Sunshine Law issue",4539,277000,4816000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2117682-ba6cf00d8e718c91c9c08d63e2f2a069&start=277&end=4816","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2117682-ba6cf00d8e718c91c9c08d63e2f2a069/thumbnail_277000.jpg","/articles/6386721/Lynn-Haven/Bay-County/Florida/Lynn-Haven-commission-debates-then-ratifies-overtime-payment-to-city-manager-after-public-challenge-over-possible-Sunshine-Law-issue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6386721-f5a559345e388100992ed56bf56e5bff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442746&Signature=IpKF7VKCSVhNbal1W4LLv3NcNXGcPYbG3PtxTdWHM~c86RD81iDh2kQG7Blb1JqVhotUAYGO~P7PjBhxI7t-5d8sLgvNqJfSKfrL8OF92IrUI4VpsrUFyUyIM7asJLz9brLAWNK3Jc060~Gf5By7Fr~cG2m2aGx4ka3Vw-rlEpUBn-xT9EK0ksI6SbiATIPWyYhcAa9ENeoES2Rdz0O7Dz7fMQ--ZV4hS8uhlL1j9F1wETqfWu8nv5uYMx-1yj3c53AajUayr~xgOJ8nXgDCXWV6gD4IA5o02tXPv0je15xyGkd4AadKaGGPuqKQRwzQZ606PeLQMEzSerCTW4LEjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lynn Haven City Commission on Jan. 14 discussed a public complaint alleging a possible Sunshine Law violation tied to a retroactive overtime payment to the city manager for work at a 2024 Martin Luther King event and then ratified the payment.

A resident, Ryan Scray, told the commission he had filed a public-records request after he was told the HR director had received four approvals for that payment but the records returned only three. “If there was a Sunshine Law violation, that full and open discussion paired with an independent final action all in the sunshine is a proper remedy here,” Scray said, urging commissioners to pull the item from the consent agenda for public discussion.

The city attorney told the commission that while a Sunshine Law violation was not certain, the perception of one could be addressed “by having a full and open conversation.” The attorney also explained that items that ratify earlier decisions are commonly placed on consent agendas but that pulling the item to allow discussion is “procedurally appropriate” when the commission believes it did not get to say its piece.

Commissioner Parnell moved to pull the overtime ratification from the consent agenda so it could be discussed publicly; the motion passed on a roll call vote with all five commissioners voting yes. After several commissioners and members of the public spoke, the commission debated whether the city manager’s contract and the personnel policy permitted overtime or only compensatory time for exempt, salaried employees.

Commissioner Vandegrift read language from the city manager’s contract aloud: “employee would be allowed to take compensatory time off … so long as such time off does not affect the performance of the employee.” He said that, in his review of comparable contracts, most city managers do not receive overtime and that the contract language appeared intended to provide compensatory time rather than overtime pay.

HR Director Hodges told the commission she had relied on a personnel policy that allows the city manager to be compensated for “extraordinary service” and had requested confirmations by email; she said she received three written confirmations and a verbal confirmation and believed that provided enough authority to issue the pay.

Commission discussion ranged from a view that the payment was an appropriate “attaboy bonus” for organizing and staffing the event to concerns that staff procedures and training should prevent any appearance of operating outside open-meeting requirements. Several commissioners said they would treat this as a learning moment and consider contract or policy changes during upcoming negotiations.

On a final roll call the commission approved ratification of the overtime payment to the city manager with these votes: Commissioner Vandergriff — yes; Commissioner Peebles — yes; Commissioner Ward — no; Commissioner Parnell — yes; Mayor Nelson — yes. The motion carried 4–1.

City staff said the episode will prompt clarifications to policy and contract language and that future requests for extraordinary compensation will be handled in the open. The commission asked the city attorney and staff to return proposed language on compensatory time versus overtime for exempt employees during future meetings.","After a public complaint about a possible Sunshine Law violation, the Lynn Haven City Commission pulled an overtime pay item from the consent agenda, discussed the city manager’s contract language and personnel policy, then ratified the previously made overtime payment by 4–1 vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission begins work to tighten rules on accessory structures, moving pods, shipping containers and RVs; asks attorney to draft ordinance language

Commission transmits Comprehensive Plan amendments (Ordinance 1176) to state for review

Commission approves resolution supporting FDOT grant for Carolina Avenue and West 14th Street sidewalk

Lynn Haven commission debates, then ratifies overtime payment to city manager after public challenge over possible Sunshine Law issue