Commission sets in‑person housing workshop for Nov. 3; staff and commissioners report pattern‑book and ADU research

The Panama City Commission agreed to shift a previously scheduled virtual housing workshop to an in‑person session on Monday, Nov. 3, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 10 at City Hall, staff said.

City Manager Alan said the workshop was already on commissioners’ calendars and that staff will update the meeting notice. He asked elected officials to flag any conflicts for that date; Commissioner Hughes confirmed the 4:30 p.m. start time works for him.

Separately, a commissioner reported research into “pattern books” — catalogs of pre‑approved house plans or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) templates that reduce the time from land purchase to construction. The presenter cited examples in other cities (including Gainesville and South Bend, Ind.) where pattern books reduced permitting time and enabled rapid infill; one example referenced was 33 infill homes built in one year using a pattern‑book approach. The presenter said pattern books can be developed locally or adapted from other jurisdictions and can be free or fee‑based for builders.

Alan said staff tentatively prefers the Nov. 3 in‑person meeting so Room 10 will be available and because Nov. 10 is close to Veterans Day, which may complicate scheduling.

No formal action was taken; staff will update calendars and public notices and carry forward the workshop for commissioner review of housing strategies and potential next steps for accelerating infill housing and ADU adoption.