- October 5, 2026
Flagler County commissioners agreed Sept. 14 to appeal Bunnell’s approval of a special exception for the proposed Project Butterfly landfill.
The appeal will send the issue to the Bunnell City Commission after the city’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board voted 3-1 on Sept. 1 to approve the special exception for the proposed Class 1 landfill.
County officials said the appeal is necessary to address concerns involving the county and Bunnell comprehensive plans, compatibility and coordination between the two governments.
Commissioner Andy Dance said the county had little time to fully review the proposal before the PZA hearing because details about the project remained confidential until shortly before the meeting. He said the county has identified “at least four” significant issues involving Bunnell’s code and the comprehensive plans.
Commissioner Greg Hansen made his opposition to the landfill clear.
“Well, I just think for a lot of reasons, we have to stop this,” Hansen said. “We just have to stop it.”
Commissioners reached a consensus to move forward with the appeal.
If the Bunnell City Commission upholds the PZA decision, county officials said the next step could be Florida’s Chapter 164 governmental dispute resolution process, which provides an opportunity for the two governments to negotiate before litigation.
Project Butterfly is proposed on approximately 610 acres at 518 County Road 45 west of Bunnell. The PZA’s approval of the special exception does not authorize construction of the landfill. The project would still require additional permitting and approvals.
