Planning commission approves site plan amendment for Venice Water Reclamation Facility equalization tank

The Venice Planning Commission unanimously approved (7–0) a site and development plan amendment (petition 25‑54SP) on Nov. 4, 2025, to add an equalization (EQ) tank at the City of Venice Water Reclamation Facility, 3510 E. Laurel Road.

Nicole Tremblay, senior planner, told the commission the facility and parcel are already government‑zoned and that the amendment proposes one storage tank internal to the existing site. The planned tank is intended to act as temporary storage to balance peak wastewater flows and to release wastewater at a controlled rate into the treatment process; staff said no additional access points or parking are proposed and that setbacks to property lines exceed 100 feet. The proposed tank height in the submission is about 31 feet, 3 inches.

Javier Vargas, Venice utilities director, and Loch Truong of Ardura Group described the tank’s purpose and confirmed odor controls and treatment steps are part of ongoing operations; the consultant noted an odor control facility had been put in place in the last year. City staff said the plan is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the land development code for government uses.

Vote and next steps
The commission found the amendment consistent with applicable criteria and voted 7–0 to approve the site and development plan amendment. Construction will proceed through the city’s normal site development and construction permitting process and any required utility construction inspections.