Planning commission approves three-story self-storage on Highland Avenue despite neighbors' concerns
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Summary
Commission approved Conditional Use Permit 23-13 for a 97,705-square-foot, three-story Store and Lock self-storage facility on West Highland Avenue, with commissioners and planning staff agreeing to landscaping and maintenance conditions after public comment about density of storage sites in the Sixth Ward.
The San Bernardino Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve Conditional Use Permit (CUP) 23-13 for a three-story self-storage facility to be developed by Store and Lock on a 1.74-acre parcel on the north side of West Highland Avenue.
Senior Planner Shantel Choice told commissioners the proposed facility would be 97,705 square feet across three stories, have a maximum height of 38 feet (permitted because the site abuts the 210 Freeway), operate 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, and include 11 parking stalls (one ADA). Staff recommended adoption of Resolution No. 2025-016 finding the project categorically exempt under CEQA Section 15332 and approving CUP 23-13, subject to conditions of approval.
Representatives for the applicant described the property’s long marketing history and argued conventional retail had not been viable given limited frontage and shared driveway access. Ben Jones, representing Store and Lock, said the company operates facilities across Southern California and would deliver a higher-quality building design than typical single-story roll-up facilities. Spencer Hall and Rick Lazar, local owners/developers, emphasized long-term ownership of the site and neighborhood investment.
Neighbor and public speaker Dolores Armstead opposed the project, presenting a count of storage facilities in the city and saying the Sixth Ward already contains a disproportionate share. Armstead urged commissioners to favor other uses, arguing the site is “prime property” better used for housing, senior housing or a hospital. Commissioner Garcia raised concerns about tree choice and root barriers along the homeowner boundary; the architect, Carlos Vargas, said the landscape plan would be refined in construction documents and that root barriers and less-tall tree species could be added as conditions.
After discussion the commission closed the public hearing. A commissioner moved to accept staff’s recommendation with revisions to landscape conditions to address neighbor concerns; the applicants agreed to work with staff on tree species and maintenance. The motion passed unanimously on a roll-call vote.
Key project details in the record: CUP 23-13, 1.74-acre site, 97,705 sq ft, three stories, 38-foot height, 11 parking stalls (1 ADA), hours of operation consistent with code, and at least two employees per shift. Staff and applicants will finalize landscape species, root-barrier notes and maintenance schedules in the construction documents and conditions of approval.
