RV/Boat Storage - Zoning - Helpful Tips - FL

[Matt Howard]

Hi All,

I am starting to investigate the idea of purchasing an existing boat/rv storage facility or raw land to develop in Florida, specifically Volusia county. I am looking to start small, 20-40 spots, basic gravel lot, fence, security etc. I am also hoping to find zoning that will allow a single family residence on the storage property that I can live in.

In Volusia county, FL specifically I have seen that B-4 general commercial zoning has a clause allowing a single family residence to be occupied by the owner on the property.

I have an abundance of questions and things to learn going forward with this, but right now my biggest question is in regards to zoning.

What are the legal zoning classifications that will allow rv/boat storage?

What zoning classifications allow rv/boat storage and a single family residence?

Is there possibility to buy a lot and have it rezone to allow rv/boat storage?

Any other advice or tips on the topic would be greatly appreciated! I would love to have a call with someone with an intimate knowledge of what I am looking to do or be referred to a rockstar commercial agent in eastern Florida.

Thank you!!!

[Henry Clark]

@Matt Howard  As noted above, zoning is county or city specific.  Go down to their office and ask for the following: A. What zones can you do this in?, B.  What zones have it as special or conditional use?, C.  How about Mixed Use zoning?, D.  Zoning map., E.  Planned Zoning Map.

Read my post on both Zoning and also RV/Boat storage.  Do a search.

If your financing, no one will let you live there.  Under most Bankruptcy laws, you can't take the person home away, thus finance companies won't work with you.  Just tell them you're putting an office there.

Get on your county or city treasurer GIS map and see what other RV/Boat storage locations are zoned.

Run your numbers. Do an inventory of unit rental rates.  This and the size of these spots will determine the minimum acreage lot you're looking for.  Would recommend 6 acres up to 15 acres.

Stop by the Building/Zoning department.  For the zones you will be in, find out the Set back rules for Front/Back/Sides/next to residential/commercial.  This will help you to determine rentable space.  Ask if parking can be done inside these setbacks.

Get on Loopnet and look up commercial/industrial land only.  Use this as a basis for your analysis numbers for land prices.  You might find a off market priced property but use this to start doing analysis.