<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2D36xU_1GuJ2bRn00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2D36xU_1GuJ2bRn00" width="1726" height="1240" ><figcaption>An aerial view of the proposed site for the new store.</figcaption></figure>City officials are reviewing a proposed code amendment that would establish a new commercial use category designed for hybrid retail and on-demand delivery operations, clearing the way for a 40,000-square-foot auto parts retail and distribution “mega-hub” in southeast Ocala. The Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission will review the city code amendment during its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 9. The request was submitted by Amprop Ventures Maricamp, LLC, who is represented by attorney Gregory Lee of Baker Hostetler, LLP. The developer owns a parcel along SE Maricamp Road where it plans to construct a hybrid automotive parts retail, warehousing, and delivery facility. The parcel is situated just across the roadway from the new Walmart Neighborhood Market that opened earlier this year. When the developer first approached city staff to verify allowable uses on the site, officials found that the company’s business model, which is referred to as a “Routed Mega-Hub,” did not cleanly fit into existing municipal zoning categories. While traditional retail auto parts stores in Ocala typically span between 7,000 and 10,000 square feet, large-scale regional warehouses such as the AutoZone distribution center on NW 35th Street exceed 400,000 square feet.The proposed mega-hub falls between those two models, as plans call for a 30,000- to 40,000-square-foot facility featuring roughly 6,000 square feet of front-end retail space, with the remaining bulk of the building utilized for inventory storage and parts dispatching.The facility would also maintain a fleet of five to 15 passenger vehicles to run on-demand parts deliveries to retail shoppers, local automotive repair shops, and other auto supply branches.Because the hybrid footprint combines standard storefront sales with light regional distribution, the developer is seeking three specific changes to Ocala’s Code of Ordinances.Under the proposed amendment, the city would first establish a formal definition for “Retail and Delivery Services,” encompassing retail businesses of 40,000 square feet or less that provide deliveries using two-axle vehicles, while requiring at least 10% of the floor plan for general retail sales and capping storage space at 90%. The measure would also classify the new category as a Special Exception in the city’s community business (B-2) zoning district, ensuring that any future facility must go through an individual public hearing before securing approval. Finally, the ordinance would establish supplementary district standards to streamline the review process by making the Board of Adjustment review any requested parking reductions concurrently with the Special Exception application at a single public hearing, eliminating the need for a separate, preliminary hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission.City staff notes that properties zoned B-2 are predominantly located along major arterial corridors, including SE Maricamp Road, SW College Road, and Silver Springs Boulevard. Those roadways are designed to accommodate commercial traffic and delivery access without encroaching into residential neighborhoods. Planning staff also notes that classifying the use as a “Special Exception” gives surrounding residents and businesses a forum to raise compatibility concerns before any specific project moves forward. Regardless of the Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation, the Ocala City Council will issue a final legislative action during an upcoming meeting. What are your thoughts on allowing retail delivery hubs with larger warehouse components along commercial corridors like Maricamp Road? Share your perspective in a comment below or submit a letter to the editor.</div></body>

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City officials are reviewing a proposed code amendment that would establish a new commercial use category designed for hybrid retail and on-demand delivery operations, clearing the way for a 40,000-square-foot auto parts retail and distribution “mega-hub” in southeast Ocala. The Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission will review the...

Code change could bring auto parts delivery ‘mega-hub’ to southeast Ocala

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City officials are reviewing a proposed code amendment that would establish a new commercial use category designed for hybrid retail and on-demand delivery

Code change could bring auto parts delivery ‘mega-hub’ to southeast Ocala

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