The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 4091 on January 4, 2017, which enacted a moratorium for filing and receiving and site plan application along the Broadway (US1), and Blue Heron Boulevard development corridors, in order for City staff to evaluate existing regulations and propose potential amendments.  City staff has reviewed existing land development regulations, including, but not limited to, land development regulations associated with filling stations (gas stations).  In order to redevelop an abandoned filling station (gas station) site, there are often a unique set of challenges to overcome, due to the real or perceived presence of environmental contaminants (automobile fuel and oil), potentially making redevelopment opportunities less economically viable, which could lead to stagnant properties along primary roadway corridors. 

City staff has identified that there is no existing separation requirement provided within the City’s land development regulations associated with filling stations (gas stations), however, implementing a separation requirement of 1,000 feet between filling stations (gas stations) may help to promote diversified development patterns within the City, while also reducing the total number of underground fuel storage tanks within the City and any associated environmental threats.   

The City’s Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the proposed land development regulation amendments on April 27, 2017 and recommended that City Council approve a more stringent separation requirement of 2,000 feet in addition to removing the exemption area proposed at the intersection of Interstate-95 and Blue Heron Boulevard.  City staff will research the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Board in greater detail for future action, however, at this time City staff recommends City Council approval of the proposed 1,000 foot separation requirement in addition to the exemption area. 

In conclusion, City staff recommends approval of this ordinance as presented.