Santee council approves 3‑story Extra Space Storage after heated public hearing; residents cite traffic, light and property‑value concerns

Santee City Council approved a conditional use permit for an Extra Space Storage building at 10835 Woodside Avenue following a lengthy public hearing in which nearby residents said the project would worsen traffic, create light and noise problems and reduce property values.

The council voted to approve the permit with three members voting yes; one member abstained and one was absent. The project team and city staff said the proposed facility meets zoning standards and that the project is categorically exempt from CEQA under CEQA Guidelines §15332.

Residents of the adjacent Riderwood Terrace condominium community and others said the three‑story building would block hillside views and pose safety problems at the single vehicle entrance and exit used by condominium residents. “The proposed expansion would create a almost 40 foot high industrial structure … completely blocking the natural hillside view,” said Robin Harrison, a Riderwood Terrace homeowner. Eric…