Neighbors Threaten Lawsuit as East Naples Costco Clears Planning Hurdle

Collier County planners have taken a major step toward approving a new Costco in East Naples, even as local residents vow legal action over concerns about traffic, property values, and zoning exceptions.

The proposed site lies in the Hacienda Lakes area along Collier Boulevard, a corridor already zoned for commercial development. What raised the most contention was Costco’s request to erect a fuel center on the same property — something the company must secure a waiver for, because county rules require a 500-foot separation between gas pumps, and a neighboring 7-Eleven sits just 132 feet away.

At a recent planning commission hearing, community members flooded the meeting to oppose the waiver. Many argued it would undermine standards intended to protect neighborhoods from excessive traffic and noise, and they questioned whether residents’ rights had been sidelined. One homeowner lamented that, while the applicant’s due process was frequently discussed, the rights of those who live nearby were largely ignored.

Opponents also warned that adding a large warehouse and gas station at the Rattlesnake Road bottleneck could exacerbate congestion and negatively affect home values in the area. Others countered that a Costco closer to East Naples would reduce the burden of long drives to existing stores. One supporter pointed out that peak-traffic trips to distant locations can stretch to an hour each way.

Costco representatives defended their proposal, insisting that both the warehouse and fuel center meet or exceed all applicable local, state, and federal standards. They emphasized the project would comply with thresholds for traffic impact, acreage, lighting, and environmental operations for gas stations.

In a 4–1 vote, the planning commission granted the waiver, recommending the project move forward to the Collier County Board of Commissioners for final approval.

But the opposition is far from passive. Those opposed to the project have made clear their intention to file a lawsuit should the Board of Commissioners greenlight Costco’s plan. That legal battle, if launched, could force redesigns, delays, or even derailment.

The next critical juncture is the county commission’s vote. Should they approve Costco’s expansion, the project must still pass full site plan reviews, permitting, and possibly contend with court challenges. Conversely, a denial—or conditions imposed by commissioners—could temper the plans or give neighbors leverage.

In short, East Naples may be on the cusp of adding a major retail anchor. But whether Costco—or the community—emerges victorious will depend on how conflicts of growth, zoning, and local consent unfold in the coming weeks.