Planning commission backs recommendation to city council for 929‑unit storage complex at former Kmart site

The North Augusta Planning Commission voted May 21 to recommend that the City Council consider the Savannah River Storage major site plan, proposing a 929‑unit self‑storage development at the former Kmart site on Jefferson Davis Highway. The commission’s recommendation asks that outstanding staff comments be addressed to the satisfaction of city staff before council action.

Planning staff described the property as an 11.73‑acre parcel in the Thoroughfare Commercial zoning district and said the Board of Zoning Appeals had previously granted a special exception and two variances for the project. “I think everybody on the commission is probably familiar with the site,” staff member Mister Paradise said during the presentation. The proposal calls for nine buildings with unit sizes ranging from about 5-by-10 feet to 12-by-35 feet; the applicant said 788 units would be inside buildings and 141 units would be under canopy or used for boat and RV storage.

Applicant Barry Sherman, giving the presentation for the developer, said the company will provide on‑site management and security and intends to minimize noise and light impacts. “We hope that we’re bringing an asset to the community to fill the need for a variety of sources,” Sherman said.

The variances approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals reduced the parking requirement from a stated requirement of 84 spaces to 19 and raised the allowed impervious surface from 70% to 76%; staff noted the site’s existing impervious coverage is about 92%. Staff told the commission the site plan includes improved stormwater controls, additional landscaping, remilling of the existing parking area and closure and securing of a rear cut‑through driveway that had been used by the public.

Commissioners asked staff whether the city is seeing an uptick in storage proposals and whether the zoning code should be revisited to limit where mini‑storage is allowed. Paradise explained that self‑storage is allowed by right in industrial districts and by special exception in general and thoroughfare commercial districts, and that a text amendment would require a planning commission recommendation and a City Council public hearing.

A motion to recommend approval to City Council, subject to resolution of outstanding staff comments, was made and seconded and carried with the commission’s voice vote.

Notes and next steps: the item will be scheduled for City Council consideration; staff indicated required corrections and outstanding comments must be addressed before final council action.