Gibsonton project would allow contractor office with modular-office open storage; neighbors largely supportive, applicant seeks screening variation

Todd Pressman, representing the applicant, presented a rezoning request for a 10.89-acre Gibsonton property on May 19 that would allow contractor office operations with open storage of modular-office units and a small office building. Development Services and Planning Commission staff supported the PD and recommended approval with conditions.

Project description: The PD would convert AR/ASC/CG zoned parcels to PD and would allow limited contractor office uses with outdoor storage of modular units, a small office, and limit most of the remainder of the property to conservation or wetland areas. The applicant said most of the site is wetlands or conservation land and that proposed activity would be confined to two small pods. The applicant emphasized the low-trip nature of the use and described it as “quiet, very low trips, no real active use on-site.”

Screening and variation request: The applicant proposed two variations to standard screening requirements: (1) allow a 6-foot-high wood or PVC fence in lieu of a 6-foot-high masonry wall along the eastern PD boundary adjacent to residential lots, and (2) where existing forestation exceeds code requirements, allow existing vegetation to remain in place rather than requiring replanting. Development Services noted those requests and said the department would treat them as PD variations. Planning Commission staff found the proposed variations acceptable given the site’s existing vegetation and additional buffer widths proposed by the applicant.

Community input: Four nearby residents testified in support of the rezoning; they described the contractor’s business as long-standing in the community and noted local assistance the company provided after storms. One resident said support letters were submitted and that several neighbors had asked the applicant to retain existing forestation for screening. Development Services confirmed it would capture verbal changes in a revised staff report.

Transportation and access: Access would be limited to Gibsonton Drive and Nundia (no residential cut-through access). The applicant agreed to meet code-required roadway and corridor screening along Gibsonton Drive.

Next steps: The hearing master closed the public hearing. Staff will capture the applicant’s verbal changes in a revised staff report; the Zoning Hearing Master will file a written recommendation for the Board of County Commissioners.