The Pasco County Planning Commission has voiced objections to a proposal for an 180-day moratorium on new applications for mini-warehouses and self-storage facilities.
Alexandra LaPorte, senior planner with the county’s planning and development department, told planning commissioners that the six-month moratorium would provide time for county staff to craft proposed regulations relating to that type of land use in the future.
The idea would be to guide the future placement of mini-warehouse and self-storage facilities.
Such regulations are not a novel concept, LaPorte said. Other communities in Florida, including Tamarac, Miami-Dade and Collier County, have regulations on the books, as do other communities across the nation, she said.
But, planning commissioners, at their May 23 meeting, wasted little time letting county planners know that they don’t like the idea of a ban, even if only temporary in nature.
The planning commission rejected the idea, saying it is inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.
Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey did not mince words.
“I think it’s overkill,” Grey said.
Planning Commissioner Michael Cox said: “These facilities pay good property taxes, and they’re not a drain on services.”
He added: “At the end of the day, the market is going to determine what needs to be where.”
But, Nectarios Pittos, planning and development director, said that mini-warehouse facilities generally consume about 5 acres of land, and produce, on average, about five jobs.
He added that they also contribute to sprawl.
Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel wanted to know how the proposed moratorium would affect apartment builders, and he also wondered how much capacity the existing self-storage facilities have.
Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi put it like this: “There’s a need for it, or the developers wouldn’t be doing it.”
Planning commissioners also voiced concerns that the temporary ban could be extended for longer periods.
Grey told planners, “I think you ought to take it back and limit it to what roads you want to protect.”
No one from the public commented on the item.
The issue is on the Pasco County Commission’s June 4 agenda, but is expected to be continued until its June 19 meeting.
County Commissioner Mike Moore has repeatedly voiced his concerns about mini-warehouses occupying land that he thinks would be better used for businesses that generate jobs.
He has specifically criticized the use of land for storage facilities along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, which he has said is prime real estate that is suited for large employers.
If ultimately adopted, the 180-day moratorium would not affect anyone who has already had a pre-application meeting on this type of development.
Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also has said that storage facilities should not take up space that could be used to attract businesses offering quality jobs in Pasco County.
Published June 05, 2019
