Amprop Ventures seeks Ocala code change for auto parts delivery hub

Residents in southeast Ocala will soon face a new type of commercial neighbor. Amprop Ventures Maricamp, LLC is asking city officials to approve a 40,000-square-foot facility that blends an auto parts storefront with a distribution center for on-demand deliveries.

The project sits on a parcel along SE Maricamp Road, directly across from a Walmart Neighborhood Market that opened earlier this year. The developer’s business model, called a Routed Mega-Hub, does not fit existing zoning categories. Traditional auto parts stores in Ocala usually range from 7,000 to 10,000 square feet. In contrast, large regional warehouses like the AutoZone facility on NW 35th Street exceed 400,000 square feet. This proposed facility falls in between, featuring about 6,000 square feet of retail space with the rest used for inventory and dispatching.

The company plans to operate a fleet of five to 15 vehicles to deliver parts to shoppers, repair shops, and other auto supply branches. Because this hybrid model mixes storefront sales with light regional distribution, the developer needs three specific changes to the city code. The first would create a new definition for Retail and Delivery Services. This category would apply to businesses of 40,000 square feet or less that use two-axle vehicles for deliveries. It would require at least 10 percent of the floor plan for retail sales and cap storage at 90 percent.

The second change would make the new category a Special Exception in the B-2 community business zoning district. This requires a public hearing for each specific project. The third change would allow the Board of Adjustment to review parking reductions at the same time as the Special Exception application. This combines two hearings into one event. City staff say B-2 properties are mostly on major arterial corridors like SE Maricamp Road, SW College Road, and Silver Springs Boulevard. These roads are designed to handle commercial traffic and deliveries without affecting nearby homes.

The Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission is reviewing the code amendment today, Monday, Nov. 9. The developer is represented by attorney Gregory Lee of Baker Hostetler, LLP. Staff note that the Special Exception process gives neighbors a chance to raise concerns about compatibility before approval. If the Commission issues a recommendation, the Ocala City Council will take a final vote at an upcoming meeting.