On June 6, 2018, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 4111, which enacted a 1,000 foot separation buffer between filling (gas) stations, with an exemption area for any property located within 2,000 feet of the intersection of interstate-95 and Blue Heron Boulevard.  Ordinance No. 4111 was consistent with the recommendation of City staff, however, on April 27, 2017, the Planning and Zoning Board had requested that the City Council consider a more stringent separation requirement of 2,000 feet without an exemption area adjacent to Interstate-95.  The City Council identified establishment of the abovementioned 1,000 foot buffer as an immediate need, thus approving Ordinance No. 4111, however, the City Council instructed City staff to conduct further research to determine if a 2,000 foot buffer could be supported through other current examples or case law.

The City Council desires to enact a moratorium for up to a six month period of time, prohibiting the filing receiving or processing of any new application or permit for the establishment, development, or operation of a filling station to allow City staff to research this item further.  The City Council has determined that the enactment of this moratorium in the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of the City’s residents and stakeholders.

City staff recommends City Council consideration of this Ordinance.