Euclid commission approves gravel surface for outdoor storage at Lakeland Boulevard self-storage site

The City of Euclid Planning and Zoning Commission voted to permit approximately 24,245 square feet of an outdoor storage area to be surfaced with gravel rather than asphalt or concrete at a self-storage facility at 26470 Lakeland Boulevard.

City staff, through Commissioner Muscatello, told the commission the lot totals roughly 214,750 square feet with an existing 58,630-square-foot structure and that about 67,955 square feet would be used for rear storage, of which 24,245 square feet would be directly devoted to outdoor storage. The applicant requested relief from the Euclid codified ordinance that requires areas devoted to outdoor storage be paved with asphalt or concrete. Muscatello noted that while some sections of the zoning code allow "pavement-stabilized and dustless surface" temporarily, long-term storage of large vehicles typically warrants paved surfaces because of concerns about fluid drainage, uneven settling and maintenance.

Applicant Richard Pasternak told the commission he had submitted a geotechnical report indicating unstable soils and buried debris that would require removal of approximately eight feet of fill to build permanent structures. He said paving would create a recurring maintenance problem because the underlying soils shift and that the planned approach is to use geogrid fabric and a compacted "crusher run" stone base that can be re-leveled over time. "With asphalt, we would literally be repaving it every other year, because of the shifting soils," Pasternak said.

William Sopko, who identified himself as the occupant of the neighboring building at 26500 Lakeland Boulevard, opposed the variance and urged adherence to the city code requiring paved surfaces. Sopko said the neighboring parking lots are concrete and argued the code provision was adopted to preserve appearance and property values. He referenced "codified ordinance 1356.06" as requiring outdoor storage areas to be paved and urged the commission to apply the code.

Commissioners discussed practical difficulties: staff contended that nonpaved storage could cause vehicle maneuverability and maintenance issues, while the applicant noted insurance policies, towing options and a stabilization plan to mitigate those risks. Commissioners also asked whether building and service-department permits or EPA stormwater rules would affect the project; staff advised that city permits and any county or state regulatory compliance, including stormwater retention requirements, remain prerequisites and could constrain the project.

Commissioner Swanson Sawyer moved to grant the variance and Commissioner Weymouth seconded. The roll call recorded Weymouth voting no and Commissioners Monroe, Renfro and Drake voting yes; the motion was approved. Staff had recommended denial in its written analysis but the commission found the applicant’s demonstrated soil and site conditions sufficient to constitute practical difficulty for paving and approved conditions to allow gravel with follow-up coordination with staff on permitting and stormwater requirements.