The Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit No. 220023 on July 30 for the Ranch Diamond Valley self-storage and recreational vehicle (RV) storage facility.

Project planner Krista Mason told commissioners the site is in the Southwest Area Plan (Specific Plan 286) and currently vacant. The proposed development comprises six buildings totaling approximately 1,145,978 square feet (including basement areas), 1,027 self-storage units, 39 RV storage spaces and 15 parking stalls; building heights range from approximately 12 feet (one story) to a maximum parapet of about 28 feet for the central two-story building. The project proposes 19 percent landscaping along the site perimeter, perimeter trees and hedges, and dedicated surveillance and controlled access. The applicant and staff confirmed that building lighting will be downward-directed and hooded per standard conditions; no roof-mounted mechanical equipment is planned.

The facility will operate Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with one to two employees on-site during business hours and secured access for customers outside hours via individual access codes. The project was previously approved in 2007 for an RV and self-storage facility, but the entitlement expired after the site was not constructed; the applicant returned with a new CUP for the same use.

Staff updated the advisory notification document and the conditions of approval to add a development impact fee (DIF) for fire-related mitigation; the applicant agreed to the revised conditions on the record. Planning staff reported no public opposition had been received as of the hearing. The commission approved the addendum to the mitigated negative declaration and the conditional use permit as recommended by staff.

What this means: The CUP approval allows the project to proceed to permitting and construction subject to the conditions of approval, including DIF/fire mitigation contributions, standard lighting controls, and required landscaping and screening along the residential boundary.