Commission hears first‑reading for Wayne Storage annexation and SPUD to allow indoor storage and RV/boat parking

The Leesburg City Commission held first readings on Feb. 10 for three ordinances to annex and rezone roughly 6.52 acres northwest of County Road 44 and south of Hickory Hollow Road for a self‑storage facility called the Wayne Storage project.

Dan Miller, planning and zoning, told the commission the package includes annexation, a small‑scale comprehensive plan change from Lake County rural transition to City of Leesburg general commercial, and a SPUD rezoning to permit an indoor self‑storage facility with limited outdoor storage (boats/RVs) and one on‑site manager apartment. The property would be subject to SPUD standards including 35% open space, a 15‑foot perimeter landscape buffer and opaque fencing where the site abuts residential lots.

Danica Oliverio, the applicant’s planning representative, presented a conceptual site plan showing one gated office with five parking spaces, single‑story storage buildings, stormwater basins, and two access points (the southern access from a paved segment of Variety Tree Road and a northern emergency gate proposed to remain closed). Oliverio said the applicant provided a signed water and sewer connection covenant committing to connect when utilities are available, and that a field survey and ecological report found no hydric soils, no designated plant communities on site and no listed species habitat within the parcel. She cited an estimated PM peak of 14 trips for the use and said the use would not materially affect levels of service for water, sewer, traffic or schools.

Neighborhood concerns: three residents spoke during public comment. Donald Shoemaker asked whether the annexation was parcel‑by‑parcel (the city confirmed it was only the subject parcel). Linda James of Hickory Hollow Road opposed tree clearing and urged the commission to preserve habitat and reduce land clearing. Steve Clark, whose property most adjoins the site, said he bought his house two years ago and said converting wooded land to metal storage buildings would lower his property values and change the character of the area; he also asked for higher fencing than a 6‑foot fence and said he had not seen explicit prior notice that outdoor boat/RV storage would be permitted.

Key standards and conditions discussed: the SPUD as filed would require a 6–8 foot opaque fence adjacent to residential lots, a 15‑foot perimeter buffer with planting requirements (two canopy trees per 100 linear feet and shrub requirements), dark‑sky full‑cutoff lighting, architectural façade standards for any building with public‑road visibility, and a four‑year expiration for substantial commencement (automatic reversion to prior zoning if not commenced).

Next steps: the applications were set for second reading on March 24 (the Feb. 10 hearings were first‑reading items only). Planning staff and the applicant said they would return with final illustrations and any revisions requested by commissioners; neighbors were advised to submit written comments for the record prior to second reading.

Ending: Commissioners did not vote on the ordinances at first reading; the matter will return for second reading and final action on March 24.