Commission backs text amendment to allow self-storage in mixed-use MC corridor as conditional use

The Brentwood Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 12 recommended approval of a zoning text amendment that would allow consumer self-storage facilities within mixed-use developments in the MC Corridor as a conditional use when non-storage-related retail comprises the predominant rentable space.

City attorney and staff discussed the definitional language used to determine what qualifies as "predominant" retail — commissioners asked whether the measure should be clarified by a square-footage threshold. The attorney explained the draft uses definitions that align with NAICS classifications to provide an objective measuring tool, and staff reiterated that the amendment preserves conditional-use review so site plan and access details would remain subject to commission and aldermanic approval.

Commissioners expressed concern that allowing vehicular drive-up access to upper-floor storage (ramps and drive-in bays) could alter street frontage activation and reduce retail square footage. The commission noted that such design elements would still be reviewed under the CUP/site-plan process. A motion to recommend approval of the text amendment carried on a unanimous roll-call vote.

The amendment would allow property owners and developers greater flexibility to include storage uses vertically in mixed-use projects while preserving standards intended to keep retail active at street level in the MC Corridor; it now advances to the Board of Aldermen for consideration.