A property dispute in Bay County, Florida, has drawn attention from both neighbors and the RV community, ending with a compromise that allows Camping World’s RV storage to continue at a controversial site while limiting the impact on nearby homes.
The issue centers on a piece of land off Mound Avenue in Panama City. Camping World had been using the property to store rigs, but the site was zoned residential. County code enforcement ordered the RVs removed since commercial storage isn’t allowed in that zoning district. To keep operating there, Camping World applied to have the property rezoned for commercial use.
Camping World’s RV storage plans shake up neighbors
That request didn’t sit well with many neighbors. Residents worried that commercial zoning would lead to more noise, traffic, and lighting shining into their yards. Some feared that granting the change could open the door to expanded operations, turning the residential edge of the neighborhood into a busy commercial zone.
After reviewing the request and listening to community concerns, the Bay County, Florida, Commission approved the rezoning but added conditions to soften the impact. One of the most important changes is a required 25-foot buffer where the commercial property borders residential homes. The fence that marks Camping World’s boundary must sit on the inside of this buffer, creating added space between the business and the neighborhood.
Lighting was another concern, so commissioners imposed limits to ensure that light from the property doesn’t spill over into adjacent yards. The goal is to allow Camping World’s RV storage to operate safely while reducing nighttime disruption to neighbors. In addition, the company has stated it has no plans to expand operations beyond the current use of the property.
For RVers, the outcome is less about access to storage and more about the long-term health of Camping World’s local operation. The RVs being stored on the Mound Avenue lot were for Camping World’s own business use, such as units awaiting service or part of dealership inventory. That means RV owners aren’t able to rent space for their personal rigs at this location. Still, the rezoning allows Camping World to manage its fleet more efficiently, which in turn supports its sales and service operations in the area.
As RV dealerships get bigger, the future could see more compromises
The compromise reflects a growing challenge in communities across the country: How to balance the needs of large RV businesses with the character of residential neighborhoods. RVers may not see a direct change in available storage options, but they do benefit when RV dealerships can operate smoothly, keeping inventory and service units close at hand. At the same time, nearby homeowners gain assurances that commercial activity won’t overwhelm their streets.
In the end, Bay County, Florida’s decision seems to represent a middle ground. Camping World’s RV storage retains a convenient site for its operations, which helps support RV customers throughout the region. Neighbors, meanwhile, get buffers and lighting protections that aim to preserve their quality of life. For both sides, the compromise offers a way forward that keeps RV business growing without sacrificing community peace.
Sources include mypanhandle.com and WJHG
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Finally, Camping World worked with the community and achieved an amicable solution for them and the neighbors.
Our nearest Camping World is about 40 miles away in Morgan Hill, California. I, and our friends that had RVs, used to shop there many years ago and referred to it as our toy store. Over time there was less interesting merchandise and books. Now, it is choked with RVs. Items I have been interested in buying as listed in their on-line sales are now never available at the store and the cost of shipping sometimes exceeds the cost of the item. I have not been able to be a customer for quite some time.
I guess Florida officials in the area are unaware that CW is known to just ignore local zoning regulations (as in the flag case) that can draw a community into extended litigation at great cost, if that’s what they decide benefits them most.
I personally wouldn’t trust anything CW says, or signs for that matter.
We choose not to have anything to do with Camping World too.
Balancing the needs of a business against the needs of residential homeowners is a tighrope, to be sure. My compliments to the zoning commission for hearing both sides and acting with some respect for a balanced outcome, aware of each parties desired outcome. No side won and no side lost. Balance got the ‘W’.
We are often embroiled in these situations and I concur with you Cancel. Compromise is the key to getting along in most things we do in life and business as well. What comes to my mind in this is CW must have had permission or a lease agreement with someone or if they owned it with the original business – it is obvious the site is most suitable to commercial use. The original business was no doubt built and operated on commercially zoned property from day one. This is an example of blanket residential development around a commercial zone. This often happens with airports which when built were well out of town – then use around the area changes and they want the airport moved!
… also, this lot along Mound Ave is paved with what appears to be concrete and asphalt or an overlay. Obviously this was not done yesterday or anytime recently. I am sure this also entered into the compromise and the expense of removing it. All coins have two sides!
Home owners lost, residential zoning changed for corporate interests.
And changed only after CW had already violated the zoning that was in place! But, that is what CW does. If the law doesn’t suit them, just ignore it and press on or use their size and gov’t contacts to run over whomever tries to stand up to them.
Was camping world already established before the subdivisions grew larger?
I’ve seen many times where planned subdivisions encroach on farmland and commercial areas and think everything should change to accommodate them.
…airports are a prime example!
If you believe Camping World’s statement about having no intention of changing what they do at this site you must be smoking something.
Thank you for the news of still another example of Camping World doing as it pleases, when it pleases, and how it pleases. In the event that someone notices its failure to follow rules, zoning restrictions, or local laws and ordinances, then it asks that whatever it violated be modified so it can continue as it was, but no longer in violation. One more reason that I will have nothing to do with these folks. Have a great day and safe travels!