Planning commission approves conditional use for self-storage facility on Highway 17

The Stephens County Planning Commission on July 1 approved a conditional use permit to allow construction of a five-building self-storage facility on a 5.45-acre parcel at 4534 Highway 17.

Planning staff noted the parcel is zoned general commercial and located on a commercial corridor that links Stephens County to adjacent counties. The proposed layout shows five storage buildings meeting required setbacks and spacing between structures. Staff recommended approval subject to meeting site-plan requirements.

Applicant Hugh Champion told commissioners the site plan had been provided and pointed to existing access points, including an entrance that would use Meadowbrook/side access. He said the facility aligns with the corridor’s commercial growth and that an access break in the median allows traffic to route north and south. Commissioners discussed whether self-storage is listed as a conditional use in the commercial zone and clarified that site-plan review and setback compliance are required.

The commission approved the conditional use permit by voice vote and encouraged the applicant to complete any required site-plan and permitting processes with staff; the commission’s action carries forward to the county commissioners where final approvals or permits will be confirmed if required.