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Commission approves special exception for proposed storage warehouse on downtown industrial parcel
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special exception allowing a storage warehouse to be built on a 0.56‑acre parcel in a mixed‑use downtown zone with an industrial future land use; applicant said the space will be used as a staging area and will not store hazardous materials.
The Apopka Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 14 approved a special exception to allow a storage warehouse on a 0.56‑acre parcel in the mixed‑use downtown zoning district, where the property’s future land use is industrial.
Planner Amir Hamza said the parcel—described in staff materials as 951 South Island Avenue and later referenced in testimony as 951 South Highland just north of East 10th Street—was vacant and that the special exception is necessary because a warehouse is not a permitted use in the mixed‑use downtown zoning without that exception. Hamza said the DRC recommends approval subject to the exhibits and findings in the staff report and that the applicant will submit a minor development plan if the special exception is granted.
Lamar Hugley, the general contractor on the project, told the commission the proposed facility will be used primarily as a staging area for equipment and materials, and he said the applicant does not plan to store hazardous materials on site. When asked by Commissioner Ryan, Hugley answered, “No. No hazardous materials. No.”
Commissioner Norwood moved to approve the special exception; Commissioner Washington seconded the motion, and the commission voted to carry it.
Why it matters: Allowing a warehouse use on a mixed‑use downtown parcel changes the allowable uses at the site and enables the owner to develop a facility that staff said must still comply with all federal, state and local regulations and later site‑plan review.
Details and next steps: Staff said the special exception only authorizes the use; development of a building will require a minor development plan or construction site plan review. Hamza said the site is constrained and cannot exceed 25,000 square feet; staff noted a maximum floor area estimate around 11,000–12,000 square feet based on site constraints.
