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Proposal restricts big stores

The City Commission would limit the sprawl and design of retail buildings under an ordinance similar to ones in other areas.

By SHANNON TAN
Published August 16, 2005

LARGO - If developers want to come to Largo, they may have to play by new city rules requiring new retail stores to soften their look with architectural features, multiple entryways and pedestrian connections.

At its meeting today, the City Commission will vote on a proposed ordinance regulating "big-box" stores. Such retail development includes Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot and Lowe's, which typically occupy single-story buildings with large parking lots and no windows.

Under the ordinance, the maximum building footprint would be limited to 125,000 square feet, forcing retailers to build multistory stores. Builders couldn't use unfinished concrete or prefabricated metal panels for the exterior. And parking lots would have to be distributed around the building.

The proposed regulations would apply to all new retail construction greater than 50,000 square feet for a single building, new construction of a multiple-tenant building 75,000 square feet or larger and any 25,000-square-foot addition to an existing 50,000-square-foot structure.

Across the country, local governments have placed restrictions on big-box construction. Pasco and Hernando counties have approved similar ordinances.

When Largo's ordinance was first proposed in April, commissioners asked that home improvement stores be subject to the new standards as well. While stricter design standards can increase building costs, many big-box retailers have been able to redesign their cookie-cutter stores to fit into urban settings.

A two-story Target recently opened in Tampa. Multistory Wal-Marts have sprung up in California, Hawaii and New York. Even Home Depot has developed multistory prototypes in New York City and Chicago.

Tom Morrissette, president of the Largo/Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is in favor of the ordinance.

"We're just trying to go along with the design standards that are set forth in the strategic plan," he said.

Largo's strategic plan, a long-term vision for the city, aims to reduce sprawl by concentrating development in pedestrian-friendly town centers.

Several big-box stores are now abandoned buildings and empty strips of blacktop, said Commissioner Andrew Guyette. But if strict design standards are adopted, it would be easier for other companies to move into those stores, he said.

"It's more of an aesthetic thing and it's more pleasing for the citizens," he added.

Sprawl-Busters, a Web site on sprawl opposition, says Wal-Mart has a total of 356 buildings for sale or lease - enough empty space to fill up 534 football fields.

If the ordinance is approved, all new retail construction would be affected, including the planned $145-million Largo Towne Center at Roosevelt Boulevard and U.S. 19.

--Shannon Tan can be reached at shtan@sptimes.com or 445-4174.

[Last modified August 16, 2005, 01:29:18]