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 requested a step‑back waiver; the precise waiver requested is limited to those two sides and the applicant will still provide a 20‑foot landscaped buffer where required.

Applicant attorney Laurie Schweller, representing Live Oak Capital Partners, described a conceptual plan that showed a four‑story building (presentation materials noted a maximum shown height of 48 feet) with loading inside the building, pedestrian connections to existing sidewalks on Parham Circle, and on‑site parking comprised of both pull‑in and parallel on‑street spaces. Kevin Flynn of Timmons Group said the team expects to address stormwater in the site‑plan phase and outlined a conceptual stormwater facility behind the building; he said the facility could treat most stormwater on site or be supplemented with off‑site nutrient credits as needed.

Neighborhood speakers said they were not opposed to an infill use but urged protections for appearance, scale and safety. Robert Finley, president of the Mill Creek Homeowners Association, said the HOA does not oppose the amendment but prefers that the step‑back requirement be observed or that architectural design mitigate the building’s perceived bulk; he also asked that the elevation facing Mill Creek Drive be brick to better match the shopping center. Several residents raised concerns about blasting and bedrock work tied to below‑grade parking or heavy footings, saying prior blasting associated with nearby utility work had damaged homes and urging clear limits and careful monitoring at the construction stage.

Commissioners asked technical questions about topography, whether photo simulations were provided, sight lines for loading and on‑street parking, and stormwater treatment. The applicant and staff said final design, blasting precautions, and detailed stormwater plans would be resolved during the site‑plan and building permit process and would follow state and county permitting requirements. Commissioners also noted that architecture and details would be reviewed by the Albemarle Architectural Review Board where applicable.

After deliberation, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the rezoning amendment and the motion carried on a roll‑call vote with five Ayes and no Nays recorded by the clerk. The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for final action.

The commission’s decision was procedural (a recommendation) and did not authorize construction; site‑plan review, ARB review and applicable permits — including any required blasting and geotechnical investigations — remain as subsequent steps.