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Coos Bay commissioners continue proposed ban on new mini-storage to allow zoning analysis
Summary
Facing objections from storage owners and industry representatives about need and notification, commissioners voted to continue a proposed text amendment that would broadly prohibit new mini/self-storage facilities and asked staff for maps and zone-specific guidance; continuance set for Jan. 13, 2026.
The Coos Bay Planning Commission held a second public hearing on Oct. 14 on proposed text amendments to add a definition for "mini storage" and to broadly prohibit new mini/self-storage facilities in zones where they are not already expressly banned. After hearing owners and industry representatives raise concerns about demand, notice and economic effects, the commission voted to continue the matter to the Jan. 13, 2026 meeting for further zoning analysis and mapping.
City staff said the amendment is council-initiated and aims to protect a limited supply of commercial and industrial land for uses that bring jobs, active streets and higher assessed values. Staff emphasized that existing self-storage facilities would be allowed to remain and that the proposal aligns with statewide planning goals and the updated Economic Opportunities Analysis.
Owners and operators urged more study. Verne Herz, who identified himself as owner of Empire Mini Storage, said local facilities are often full and asserted the moratorium resolution was not supported by a local report: "Coos Bay storage facilities are usually completely full and keep getting multiple phone calls daily asking for availability." Tom Ross of U-Haul said industry members were not adequately informed and asked the commission to deny or continue the amendment, arguing storage is an essential service and that occupancy in the area is at or near capacity: "I can tell you that there is not enough storage. Everyone in the area is either at maximum capacity or very near to it."
Staff replied that every permitted storage facility was mailed notice and that 13 facilities are currently permitted and licensed in Coos Bay. Commissioners expressed concern about an across-the-board prohibition and recommended staff prepare maps and clearer guidance on which zones might be appropriate or inappropriate for storage uses. A motion to continue the amendment to the Jan. 13, 2026 planning commission meeting carried, with direction to return with mapped zone alternatives and additional information for deliberation.
The continuation pauses any final recommendation to City Council and asks staff to supply the requested zoning maps and analysis before the matter returns to the commission.
