The Bay County Board of County Commissioners on April 1 approved a Detailed Specific Area Plan (DSAP) for roughly 1,702 acres in the Bay Walton sector plan that, if realized, would allow up to 3,330 residential units and about 450,000 square feet of nonresidential development.

The applicantrepresentative, Ray Greer, told commissioners the proposal is a mixed‑use program that the applicant expects to build out over roughly 16 years. "This is 1,700 acres. It is 3,330 units and 450,000 square feet non residential. So it'll be a mixed use development. And this will occur over the next 16 years," Greer said during the hearing.

County planning staff recommended approval but repeatedly told the board that the DSAP does not authorize construction or development orders. "There is currently no capacity to provide water or sewer in the area," planning staff said, adding that the county and developer are discussing timing and that "no development orders would be approved until these services are available." The planning presentation also noted the DSAP must be consistent with the long‑term sector plan and that DSAPs are minimum 1,000‑acre planning units under the countycomprehensive plan.

Commissioners asked for clarification on utility timing and funding. County staff said they are pursuing legislative funding and planning for additional regional wastewater and water treatment capacity to serve long‑term growth in the Highway 79 and Highway 77 corridors; staff described those as long‑horizon projects that could be accelerated if demand requires it. The staff presentation emphasized that the DSAP is a long‑range planning tool and that buildout will be paced by market demand.

Commissioners voted to approve the DSAP. The roll call showed four affirmative votes and one member recorded as "stayed" on the item due to a disclosed conflict. Commissioner Pease, Commissioner Crosby and Commissioner Ratfield voted yes; Chairman Moore voted yes; Commissioner Carroll did not participate in the vote due to a recusal.

The DSAP approval requires subsequent approvals before any development may begin: the applicant must return with plan unit development approvals and individual development orders, and the county said public facilities (water, sewer and associated improvements) must be in place before final approvals and permits issue.

Public comment at the hearing was limited and the countyplanning staff said the Bay County Planning Commission had previously voted that the DSAP is consistent with the county comprehensive plan and land development regulations.

The county record for this item will reflect the DSAP approval; any requests for development orders, utility commitments or construction permits will be subject to separate permitting and funding decisions going forward.