Lynn Haven commissioners approve public workshop after $200,000 zoning proposal draws support

Mayor and commissioners kicked off a pilot town‑hall session and turned quickly to land‑use planning, saying Lynn Haven needs a zoning map and an updated unified land‑use code to guide future development.

Multiple commissioners and the city manager described a consultant proposal of roughly $200,000 to produce zoning maps, hold public workshops and carry out implementation steps. “We received a proposal. It’s about two hundred thousand dollars to look at our zoning, implement zoning maps, hold public workshops and all of the implementation that it would take,” the city manager said.

Why it matters: Commissioners said restoring zoning would allow the city to shape where businesses and housing go, avoid clusters of similar uses and give the public clearer expectations about development. One commissioner noted a prior nonbinding referendum on zoning failed when the ballot language emphasized cost; commissioners said outreach and clearer explanation of benefits will be necessary before asking voters to revisit the question.

In the discussion, commissioners compared earlier, higher estimates with the current proposal. A commissioner recalled a previous study that quoted as much as $800,000 for a full zoning map, and said the $200,000 figure makes the project more feasible now. Several commissioners said the first step will be a public workshop; staff said they are coordinating dates for an April session to present scope, costs and timelines.

What was proposed: Commissioners described a phased approach — a zoning map paired with updates to the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) — rather than ad hoc approvals. The city manager said the consultant would help draft maps, hold community workshops and guide implementation steps. One resident urged using a stacked funding approach — combining grants, developer contributions and small planning surcharges — to avoid relying on ad valorem taxes.

Next steps: Staff will schedule the public workshop in April, circulate details and bring back options for funding and timing. Commissioners emphasized the need to explain how zoning would protect long‑term community goals and noted that any ballot placement should be paired with public education about costs and benefits.