Bay County commissioners on Oct. 7 approved revisions to Chapter 21 of the Bay County Code of Ordinances, updating language governing excavation and right‑of‑way permits and removing duplicative language related to the participating paving program.

County legal staff said section 21‑1 (excavation and public rights‑of‑way) was updated to reflect current county practices and clarified that a right‑of‑way construction permit is required in place of older permit language. Staff explained that removing Division 1 of Article 2, which addressed participating paving programs, avoids duplication because Article 3 contains sufficient authority and enables use of tax‑bill collection methods for special assessments. The county attorney’s office said outside counsel concurred with the consolidation.

Commissioners asked whether permit timelines or repair obligations had changed. Staff responded that permit timeframes (for example a 48‑hour timeline for permit use) were not being altered and that the change was primarily an update to the language to match current engineering practices. A commissioner raised a question whether the phrase "county infrastructure" in repair obligations would cover utilities; staff said the proposed language came from engineering and that if specific timelines or additional language were desired the board could request staff to return with changes at a later meeting.

A public hearing was opened and closed with no speakers. The board then voted to adopt the ordinance revisions by roll call.