The Pasco County Commission is expected to soon consider 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, said the intention of the 180-day moratorium would be for county staff to work on proposed regulations relating to that type of land use in the future.
“This temporary moratorium would allow the planning and development department to research best practices for the development of mini-warehouse and self-storage facilities within the county,” LaPorte told commissioners, at their May 7 meeting.
“It would also allow us to analyze whether additional standards relating to these uses should be incorporated in the land development code, and it would allow us to make sure those standards would support design standards to preserve and enhance visual and functional characteristics, as outlined in the comprehensive plan,” she said.
LaPorte also noted that similar ordinances have been adopted in Tamarac, Miami-Dade and Collier County, in Florida, as well as in other places across the country.
The board approved LaPorte’s request for public hearings on the matter before the Pasco County Planning Commission, on May 23 at 1:30 p.m.; and before the county commission on June 4 and June 19.
Commissioner Mike Moore applauded the county’s action on the issue.
“Thanks to the team for bringing this. I know you worked hard on this. I think it’s important that we move forward with this,” said Moore, who has made no secret of his concerns about mini-warehouses popping up on land he thinks would be better utilized for uses that generate jobs.
“What we’re doing is losing the possibility of major employment centers on that land,” Moore said. “I’m glad you brought it forward. I think it’s the right thing to do. I would assume we will have board support on this.”
The moratorium would not affect anyone who has already had a pre-application meeting on this type of development, Moore noted.
Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed with Moore’s position, saying she doesn’t want to see storage facilities taking up space that could be used to attract businesses offering quality jobs in Pasco County.
Published May 29, 2019
