Commission approves specific approvals for existing Rangeland Parkway storage facility to bring site into compliance

The Manatee County Planning Commission on Oct. 16 approved two specific approvals for an existing outdoor storage facility operating at 14875 Rangeland Parkway (PDMU1902) that the applicant said will allow the owner to complete site-plan compliance and continue operations.

Attorney Steven Thompson and regional manager Logan Windham said the facility has operated for several years, transferred to new ownership in 2023, and that the new owner has been working to bring the site into compliance. The applicant requested specific approvals to allow a shared fence agreement with the adjacent Cedar Mill (American Homes for Rent) community rather than constructing a separate fence along the northern boundary, and to allow a remotely managed, self-service facility that does not maintain an on-site office.

Staff confirmed the property is an existing permitted use in the PDMU zoning and that the approvals would facilitate final site plan work. The applicant said the facility is secured with an 8-foot perimeter fence, gated access with individual user codes, cameras and license-plate monitoring, and that porta-potty service has been used while permanent restroom/sewer issues are worked through. Staff and the applicant said outstanding code-enforcement items stemmed from previous ownership and are now being addressed.

Commissioners voted 6-0 to approve the two specific approvals; the applicant will continue working with county staff on final construction plans, septic/utility arrangements and code-enforcement compliance.