Submitted By: Emily W. Johnson, AICP
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Presentation By: Aubrey Hale
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Introduce Ordinance 2024-43 to change the code of ordinances by revising the outdoor storage requirements/uses in the M-1, Light Industrial Zoning District (Chapter 122-Division 25) (Case COD24-45660)
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND: Staff prepared an amendment to the Code of Ordinances regarding outdoor storage within the M-1, Light Industrial, zoning district. Currently, the district allows for outdoor storage as an accessory use with a size restriction of 30 percent of the gross floor area of the main building or structure, up to a maximum of 10,000 square feet. If outdoor storage is necessary beyond the limit, a maximum of 20 percent of the total area may be granted through the public hearing process. The procedure for approval is outlined in Section 122-767.
One of the primary differences between the M-1 and M-2 zoning districts is the allowance of unlimited outdoor storage within the M-2 zoning district. The staff has identified a recent trend in requests to rezone properties from the M-1, Light Industrial, to the M-2, Medium Industrial, zoning district. Through discussion with the property owners and design professionals of M-1 zoned property, staff understand that a key reason applicants seek rezoning to the M-2 zoning district is to afford potential buyers/tenants the additional outdoor storage opportunity. This opportunity can significantly improve their ability to maintain the existing developed property as viable in the marketplace. To enhance the purpose and function of the M-1 zoning district by allowing additional outdoor storage while maintaining the integrity of screening requirements, staff proposes the following Code Section amendments:
* Section 122-761: Removing the requirement for a public hea...
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