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Planning commission backs conditional use for self‑storage at South Academy with amenity condition
Summary
The Colorado Springs Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use to convert a 3.34‑acre retail site at 288 S. Academy Blvd. into a self‑storage facility, conditioning approval on a development plan that includes the outdoor amenity presented to address streamside overlay criteria.
The Colorado Springs Planning Commission on June 11 recommended approval of a conditional use to convert a vacant retail site at 288 South Academy Boulevard into a self‑storage facility, subject to a condition that the development plan include an outdoor amenity described by the applicant.
Allison Stalker, senior planner in the land use review division, told commissioners the property sits inside the Streamside overlay where self‑storage is a conditional use. Stalker said staff had sent 131 postcards and received one clear concern about the proposal’s potential to reduce activity in the area and potentially worsen blight. She identified two streamside standards—criteria 4 and 11—as especially relevant and said staff had asked the applicant to demonstrate amenitization and mitigation where feasible.
Applicants from YOW Architects and the property owners described a plan that reuses two existing buildings with minimal surface changes: new canopies for loading and a perimeter fence, plus upgraded lighting and facade work. Paul Moon, representing the owners, said the goal is “to really stabilize that intersection” and draw investment back to the area after years of vacancy and encampment activity. The team said the site currently contains more trees in the inner buffer than required and that the proposed layout minimizes grading near the stream corridor.
Commissioners’ questions focused on fence location and type, pedestrian access through the site, and fire department access to an on‑site hydrant. Steve Smith of the Colorado Springs Fire Department said the site applied for permits for gates and fences and that the department had verified access to hydrants as part of that process.
During deliberations commissioners said the applicant’s proposal to add an amenity space—designed to provide a connection to the streamside while protecting safety—helped satisfy the intent of the streamside overlay. Commissioner Hensler moved to approve the conditional use with a condition that the development plan include the amenity as presented; Commissioner Robbins seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The commission’s recommendation moves to City Council; appeal instructions were read on the record with a 10‑day appeal window and a $176 filing fee.
