In a recent Bay County Code Magistrate Hearing held on June 11, 2025, significant discussions centered around two properties located at 2728 East Thirteenth Street and 1234 Northeast Avenue. The properties, situated in the Cedar Grove area, are owned by James Atkinson and Freedom Builders, respectively. The hearing highlighted ongoing code violations, particularly concerning the height of fences on the residential property.

During the meeting, Robert Clarkson, a Bay County code enforcement officer, presented evidence of a fence exceeding the allowable height of four feet in the front yard of the residential property. Clarkson noted that the fence, which is over nine feet tall, violates local zoning regulations. The residential property is classified as Residential 2, while the adjacent property is zoned Commercial 1.

Clarkson's investigation revealed that the fence does not fully enclose either parcel and is strategically placed, seemingly to conceal various vehicles and debris, including tow trucks and derelict vehicles, from public view. This raised concerns about the operation of a potential towing business on the residential property, which is not permitted under current zoning laws.

Atkinson, the owner of the residential property, expressed his belief that he was not in violation of any codes and indicated plans to apply for a variance regarding the fence height. However, Clarkson emphasized that the property had previously been subject to a permanent injunction against operating a business, complicating Atkinson's claims.

The hearing underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in enforcing zoning regulations and maintaining community standards. As the situation develops, the Bay County Code Enforcement will continue to monitor the properties, ensuring compliance with local laws and addressing any further violations. The outcome of Atkinson's variance request remains to be seen, but it highlights the delicate balance between property rights and community regulations in Bay County.