Planning commission recommends requiring conditional use permits for self‑storage sites

The Norfolk Planning Commission on a voice vote recommended approval of a zoning text amendment to require self‑service storage facilities to obtain conditional use permits in all districts where they are now allowed by right. The motion passed with commissioners voting in favor.

The change was presented by Andrew, a planning department staff member, who said self‑service storage “utilizes a significant amount of land with limited economic activity and job creation,” and that requiring conditional use permits (CUPs) would allow for more site‑specific analysis of impacts to corridors and industrial areas. Andrew said the city has roughly 30 self‑storage sites and no active community exception plans for them.

Commissioners heard that the amendment would not change performance standards for storage facilities; it would only change the approval procedure so proposed sites would be reviewed under a CUP process in community commercial, regional commercial, light industrial, business commerce office, business commerce industrial and certain transit‑oriented districts where they are currently permitted by right.

Staff noted economic development had reviewed and supported the text amendment as drafted. After the presentation the commission moved to recommend approval; the roll call recorded affirmative votes from Commissioners Pendleton, Mann, Wells, Young, Bateman and Sutter. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action.

If City Council adopts the amendment, applicants seeking new self‑service storage in the affected districts would be required to pursue a CUP, which triggers staff review, public notice and a public hearing before the commission and council.

The planning department listed this item under the city’s Norfolk 2030 plan and provided a map of existing storage locations at the hearing.