Commission conditionally approves 18-unit 'mega storage' near airport, requires height variance and buffering

The Green City Planning & Zoning Commission on Jan. 15 conditionally approved an 18-unit storage project at 2622 Greensburg Road, subject to the applicant obtaining a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals for building height and to completing final engineering and other permit requirements.

Civil engineer Mike Woltwin (Woltwin Engineering Group) told the commission the proposal includes two buildings (12 units in the west building and six in the east) totaling about 11,900 square feet on the west side, two stormwater basins at the front of the site, and a single, fire-truck-capable access drive. The project proposes five parking spaces (four standard and one ADA), which staff said meets the minimum code requirement. The buildings are designed with masonry and metal panels; the design review board requested additional masonry, which the applicant said was added to increase facade quality.

Staff reported the 1.6-acre site meets coverage and impervious-surface ratios, but the buildings would be 27 feet tall—exceeding the 22-foot maximum for self-storage buildings in code—so the approval is conditional on a Board of Zoning Appeals variance. Staff also flagged outstanding items: final engineering and stormwater calculations, confirmation of utility meter locations, routing for the water service line, gate and Knox Box details for fire access, and a stormwater pollution prevention plan. Staff recommended increasing evergreen buffering along the south and east property lines due to potential future development of adjacent airport-owned land.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on target tenants, security, and noise. Owner/developer TJ Holland said the market targets contractors and RV storage and that leases would include noise provisions; the site would use a key-code gate, unit locks, and cameras for security. Resident James Alstrom urged sensitivity to lighting and security for adjacent nonconforming residences and asked why the site will not be fully fenced; the applicant said cameras and key-code access would be used and that a full fence was not proposed.

A commissioner moved to approve the project contingent on the applicant receiving the Board of Zoning Appeals variance, passing final engineering, addressing design review board recommendations, confirming utility and gate details, and increasing evergreen buffering; an amendment added that proposed parking spaces cannot be used for outdoor storage. The motion was seconded and approved by roll call.