Collier County Clears Way for Second Costco in East Naples Amid Opposition

What Just Happened

The Collier County Commission approved two petitions that permit a second Costco warehouse — located in East Naples at the intersection of Rattlesnake Hammock Road and Collier Boulevard. The approval includes a special exception for the gas station component.

The decisions came after a lengthy public hearing and review process, with county staff recommending approval.

Now, the Costco team can move forward with obtaining building permits from Collier County and the South Florida Water Management District. Construction may begin as early as late 2025 or early 2026.

Deal Structure & Site Plans

• The planned warehouse is a large-format facility, with an estimated footprint of 162,700 square feet and over 820 parking spaces.

• The gas station component is capped at 12 pumps under the current approval. Any future expansion of the pumps would require further review and another vote.

• The property is inside the Hacienda Lakes area, which already has a mix of residential and commercial zoning — though adding a Costco (especially with gas) required zoning exceptions and approval of conditional uses.

Opposition & Risks

The project has drawn vocal opposition from neighborhood groups concerned about:

• Traffic impact — Opponents argue increased vehicle volume will strain the roads, impede ambulance access, and worsen congestion.

• Safety & Environmental Concerns — Some raised fears about risks tied to the gas station, drainage, flooding, and proximity to neighborhoods.

• Legal Pushback — Citizens’ groups are threatening lawsuits to block the project even after approval.

Despite opposition, county staff and planning experts found that the proposed use would not exceed existing road capacity and that the plans met required criteria.

How It Impacts Naples

• Retail Access — This Costco would serve communities in East Naples and southeastern Collier, reducing travel time for members in that region.

• Development Precedent — The approval signals that even large-format development with gas stations can gain acceptance under current county policies.

• Neighborhood Dynamics — How this plays out in traffic, aesthetics, and coordination with residential communities will influence future development zone negotiations.

• Political & Legal Landscape — The willingness of opponents to litigate and the commission’s decisions may influence how projects are proposed in future hearings.