The Winchester City Planning Commission on Oct. 21 reviewed a request from Greenway Engineering for a waiver to permit two new overhead bay doors facing the public street at 2508 Paper Mill Road, a Commercial-Industrial–zoned property that is being converted from industrial use to self-storage.

David Benson, planning director, explained that the change of use and new roll-up doors require a waiver under the city's standards and said the applicant proposes evergreen screening to reduce the visual impact. The building—located near the former Federal Mogul site and a Walmart—would remove several existing loading docks and add new overhead doors as part of the conversion.

Commissioner Piper questioned whether the site's 35-foot drive aisle would allow internal turning maneuvers instead of installing through-doors, asking whether vehicles could enter, turn and exit rather than drive straight through. “If the drive aisle is 35 feet, why are they looking to have a roll up door, instead of just having a turning area inside the building?” Piper asked.

Benson and staff responded that the applicant preferred a one-way movement pattern and that the proposed plan overall reduces the total number of loading docks on the site. Commissioners expressed no objection to the proposal; one commissioner said materials were “well put together.” The matter concluded with a voice consensus in favor of the waiver after discussion; staff indicated David Benson, as planning director, could grant the waiver consistent with the discussion and proposed screening.

Because the item was presented as a consultation and no formal motion was required, commissioners recorded their support by voice. The planning director said he would work with the owner and developer on details and conditions related to screening and site circulation.