Commission approves Derby climate-controlled storage site plan; requires lot split and utility easements

The Derby Planning Commission on April 3 approved a site plan for a 64,000-square-foot climate-controlled storage facility on a portion of the My Extra Garage site, contingent on a lot split and recorded utility easements to preserve shared sewer and water access.

Assistant City Planner Edward Haynes told the commission the developer completed two east buildings of an originally planned multi-building self-storage project and now proposes a single, climate-controlled facility on the western portion of the property. Because the development replaces several previously platted buildings, staff required a lot-split application and a restricted covenant limiting future development intensity so the overall site coverage remains within active-zone limits.

Haynes said the applicant will need to provide a recorded sanitary-sewer easement and a water-line easement so the shared services can be maintained if parcels are separately owned in the future: "It's going to require that that sanitary sewer line be within an easement for shared access and shared use," Haynes said.

The site plan shows vehicle access from an existing cul-de-sac on Oliver Street and no direct access from K-15; the plan does not include a gated enclosure across the entire site. Circulation and parking meet city standards pending minor dimension clarifications; the city’s engineering staff asked for additional drainage work and Oliver Street improvements to reduce erosion and pavement damage.

Haynes and the applicant said pedestrian access to Oliver Street is not required because there is no existing pedestrian network on that frontage; staff recommended and the commission agreed to waive the pedestrian requirement for Oliver Street. Landscaping and additional trees will be required to meet the zoning code and staff noted the applicant is already addressing many staff comments.

The building’s exterior will be primarily architectural metal panels. Staff found the material and facade treatments provided sufficient variation and screening; mechanical equipment will be screened with parapet walls on some facades where required. The applicant’s representative said the building will have keypad entry and internal drive-through circulation; unit configuration was described as a mix of sizes.

Commissioner Renberger moved to approve the site plan subject to staff comments, planning commission discussion and submission of a lot split; Commissioner Hesseltine seconded. The motion passed 9-0.

Before final permits, staff will require the applicant to: submit a lot-split application and a recorded sanitary sewer easement and water easement; resolve engineering comments about drainage and Oliver Street; submit required landscaping plans; and file the restricted covenant limiting future buildable area on adjacent parcels as described in staff notes.