Special exception moves forward despite commission concerns

HOLMES BEACH – Commissioners moved a special exception request from the Toy Barn forward to a public hearing despite staff concerns that the proposed use is more of a distribution and fulfillment center rather than a simple warehouse for vehicle storage.

Appearing on behalf of business owner Travis Lantz during a Jan. 24 commission work session was attorney Aaron Thomas. Thomas said his client plans to use a property located at 3008 Avenue C as a warehouse to store 10 street-legal golf carts and/or electric vehicles for his rental business. The proposed use wouldn’t have public access but would allow Toy Barn staff to make five to 10 distribution or drop-off trips to the property per day to fa - cilitate vehicle delivery.

City Planner Chad Minor said the proposed use more closely aligns with that of a vehicle rental business operating in the area rather than vehicle storage. Vehicle rentals are banned from operating in the C-3 zoning district where the property is located.

“We’re at a standstill,” Minor said of the talks between the applicant and city staff.

On the advice of City Attorney Erica Augello, commissioners agreed to move the matter forward to a public hearing at an upcoming commission regular meeting where both sides can present their cases and members of the community can voice their opinions on the issue.