BZA allows larger self‑storage units to replace previously approved small units; sidewalk waiver granted

The board approved a site‑plan amendment and a design‑standards variance for Crimson Storage (VAR‑25‑69A and VAR‑25‑73). Planning staff recounted that earlier site plan approvals permitted small units and the site was operating under the prior zoning ordinance; after the county adopted the new development ordinance, the use classification and where self‑storage is permitted changed. The applicant proposed fewer, larger units in place of smaller ones that had been previously approved but never built.

Staff clarified that the property is legal pre‑existing nonconforming for the originally permitted convenient‑storage use, and that the change to larger units triggered a review under the current code. The board approved the self‑storage use variance and also granted a sidewalk design variance. Petitioners emphasized market demand: larger units are occupied at higher rates than smaller units and replacing the never‑built small units will better meet local storage demand while reducing the total number of driveway trips. The applicant also noted the RV/boat storage conditional use (a separate request) would be handled through the conditional‑use process.

Outcome: Board approved the use variance and the sidewalk design variance; petitioner must submit any required conditional‑use application for RV/boat storage separately and complete the site‑plan amendment process.