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Planning commission approves variance to allow larger outdoor RV and boat storage at Lakeland Boulevard site
Summary
The City of Euclid Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance allowing Storage King USA to use 32.3% of the 214,750-square-foot site at 26470 Lakeland Boulevard for outdoor storage of recreational vehicles and boats; a separate request to allow gravel in lieu of required paving was not acted on because it was not advertised.
The City of Euclid Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved a variance permitting an outdoor storage area equal to 32.3% of the gross site area at 26470 Lakeland Boulevard to be used for recreational vehicle and boat parking.
The proposal, presented by Richard Pasternak, senior project manager for Storage King USA, and Chris Schmidt, civil engineer with Davie Resource Group, would convert the rear portion of a 214,750-square-foot property—currently developed with a roughly 58,630-square-foot building—into 44 secured outdoor spaces for RV and boat storage. Pasternak said Storage King USA took over operations of the indoor facility in 2021.
The variance overrides a Euclid Codified Ordinances provision that limits outdoor storage for mini self-storage facilities to 10% of the gross site area; the applicant asked to increase that allowance to 32.3% and the commission voted to grant that request. Commissioner Monroe moved to grant the variance; Commissioner Weymouth seconded the motion. A roll call recorded five votes in favor (Renfro, Swanson Sawyer, Weymouth, Monroe and Chair Drake); there were no votes against and no abstentions.
Why it matters: The site sits between Interstate 90 to the north and the Norfolk Southern rail line to the south, and staff described the parcel as unusually shaped and constrained. Commissioners said the location is appropriate for outdoor vehicle storage because of surrounding industrial uses and limited public visibility. The change would permit additional local capacity for RV and boat owners who currently store such vehicles in residential areas.
Key details and conditions: City staff told the commission that Euclid zoning code requires outdoor storage areas to be paved with asphalt or concrete and maintained "free of dust," and that screening, fencing and landscaping for the secured entrance will need review and approval by the Architectural Review Board. The commission’s approval covers only the percentage of site area used for outdoor storage; staff reminded the applicants that building permits, any required county or state stormwater approvals, and a reissued certificate of occupancy from the city’s building department are required before use can begin.
Applicants’ rationale and constraints: Schmidt and Pasternak said prior soil disturbance—fill placed during earlier building expansions—would make constructing new buildings in the rear infeasible without removing about 7.5 feet of fill off-site. For that reason, they proposed graveled drive aisles and spaces rather than new impervious pavement. Schmidt said the applicant is showing 44 spaces sized at roughly 39 feet long by 12 feet wide to accommodate boats and RVs.
Paving question not decided: During the meeting Commissioner Muscatello and other commissioners discussed whether the commission could approve gravel in lieu of paved asphalt or concrete. Muscatello and staff advised that the paving requirement is in the Euclid Codified Ordinances and that the applicants had not advertised a variance to the paving requirement; a later motion to permit gravel in lieu of asphalt or concrete was made but ruled out of order because it had not been advertised. The applicants were told to return with any such request after proper notice and to coordinate with the building and housing department on stormwater requirements.
Next steps and timing: Pasternak said Storage King plans to begin work “as soon as we get our approvals,” with a practical start after spring rains subside. Staff will coordinate next steps: Architectural Review Board review for screening and landscape plans, any required county or state stormwater approvals, and issuance of building permits and a certificate of occupancy before the space may be used.
Votes at a glance: Motion to grant a variance permitting the outdoor storage area to be 32.3% of the gross site area (parcel permanent parcel number 64811-004): mover Commissioner Monroe; second Commissioner Weymouth; Roll call: Renfro — yes; Swanson Sawyer — yes; Weymouth — yes; Monroe — yes; Drake — yes. Outcome: approved, 5–0.
