Albemarle County planning commission backs rezoning to allow four‑story self‑storage at Parham Circle

The Albemarle County Planning Commission on March 10 recommended approval of a rezoning amendment that would allow a multistory self‑storage facility on a 1.73‑acre parcel at Parham Circle, behind the bank near Mill Creek Drive.

County planner Rebecca Ragsdale presented the request, saying the parcel sits within the Mill Creek Plan District Shopping Center (approved in 1996) and that the amendment would remove the prior prohibition on light warehousing to permit modern multistory self‑storage. Ragsdale told commissioners the comprehensive plan (2015) designates the site for commercial mixed use and staff found the proposed use consistent with that designation. She noted the applicant seeks a reduction to the standard 50‑foot commercial setback on the two sides that abut properties zoned residential but used for institutional/public purposes and…