Neighbor questions setbacks and tree preservation as planners approve Dependable Storage site plan

The Planning Commission on Sept. 4 approved a preliminary site plan for Dependable Storage on Walker South Road after public questions about setbacks, fencing and existing trees on the property line.

John Lambertson of Karube Engineering said the proposed building would be fenced and set back from eastern neighbors; he told a resident, Deborah McGahy, that the building would be approximately 35 feet from the property line and that the facility’s layout would place about 80–85 feet between the east side building and the neighbor’s driveway in one description. He also said the project would include an opaque, 8-foot wood fence along the neighbor’s property line.

McGahy, who said she has lived next to the site for 19 years, asked whether trees on the property line would be preserved. Lambertson said the developer would try to preserve trees that are not in the development area and offered to confirm specifics with the developer and share contact information.

Commissioner Burns asked whether commercial buildings more than one story should carry larger buffers similar to multifamily rules; staff said building setback on this site places the main building about 85 feet from the east property line. Commissioners discussed that commercial three-story self-storage buildings can raise buffer concerns, and staff confirmed a requirement for an 8-foot wood fence along adjacent residential property lines.

Planning and engineering staff recommended approval after confirming earlier comments had been addressed. The commission voted to approve the preliminary site plan; planning staff told the applicant to coordinate directly with the adjacent resident on tree preservation and fencing details.

Outcome: Preliminary site-plan approval granted; applicant to provide confirmed fence and buffer details to neighbor and finalize engineering.