FAQs • Bay County, FL • CivicEngage

When do I need a land clearing permit?: Any time you use heavy machinery to clear a parcel of land for construction or for any other purpose other than timber farming activities on lands designated for such, you need a land clearing permit. If the parcel of land is over 3 acres in size the land clearing permit must be issued in association with a development order. If under 3 acres, a land clearing permit can be obtained from the Planning and Zoning Division. Call us at 850-248-8250 or email us.

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Planning & Zoning

1. What is planning and zonings role in mobile home permitting?: These permits must be issued in compliance with the Bay County Comprehensive Plan and related Land Development Regulations. This compliance determination must be made by the Planning and Zoning Division and must be done in concurrence with the designation of a street address. Contact Planning and Zoning by either emailing us or calling 850-248-8250 to determine correct zoning on the parcel prior to applying for building permit.

2. How do I get a commercial development permit?: These permits must also be issued in compliance with the Bay County Comprehensive Plan and related Land Development Regulations. Commercial projects require a Development Order to be issued prior to the issuance of any building permits. This development order is issued by the Planning and Zoning Division.

3. What is the zoning on a particular lot or parcel of land?: You can obtain this information from the Planning and Zoning Division. Staff prefers to have the parcel identification number (also known as an RE Number ) to accurately verify the parcel location. The parcel ID number may be obtained from the newer versions of the Warranty Deed, or from the Property Appraiser's Office.

4. When do I need a tree removal permit?: Anytime you remove a protected tree you need a removal permit. What is considered a protected tree? A protected tree is an oak tree over 30 inches in diameter or greater (diameter is calculated by measuring circumference at breast height and then dividing this number by Pi (which is 3.14)).

5. When do I need a land clearing permit?: Any time you use heavy machinery to clear a parcel of land for construction or for any other purpose other than timber farming activities on lands designated for such, you need a land clearing permit. If the parcel of land is over 3 acres in size the land clearing permit must be issued in association with a development order. If under 3 acres, a land clearing permit can be obtained from the Planning and Zoning Division. Call us at 850-248-8250 or email us.

6. Where can I get a copy of the bay county comprehensive plan or land development regulations?: You can view these documents online: view the Bay County Comprehensive Plan (PDF) and the Land Development Regulations (PDF).