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Committee approves "Save ZTA" to allow temporary self‑storage in very long‑vacant buildings with community‑use condition
Summary
The committee approved ZTA 25‑01 to permit self‑storage in buildings that have been 90% vacant for two years if the ground floor is set aside for a charitable or cultural tenant; the committee added a requirement that a use-and-occupancy permit be obtained within two years to ensure a real community occupant.
The Planning, Housing and Parks Committee voted to approve Zoning Text Amendment 25‑01 (the "Save ZTA") on March 24, allowing property owners to convert buildings that have been 90% vacant for the preceding two years to a temporary self‑storage use provided the ground floor is occupied by a charitable, philanthropic or cultural organization and that structural work is limited to preserve future residential conversion potential.
Council President Stewart, the sponsor, framed the measure as a way to address longstanding "ghost buildings" that reduce street activation in downtowns while providing space for nonprofit and cultural organizations. "This aims to allow self storage in buildings that have been vacant 90% for the last two years, with the provision that the ground floor is used by a charitable or philanthropic organization," Stewart said.
Planning staff noted the ZTA requires proof of vacancy (the ZTA allows planning board to accept third‑party vacancy data or applicant evidence) and recommended a planning‑board amendment to require proof of intent for community use. Council staff proposed a refinement instead: require the applicant to secure a use‑and‑occupancy permit within two years of site‑plan approval so a tenant is in place rather than an unfulfilled promise. The Committee accepted that amendment.
Staff also suggested a technical amendment clarifying that any appropriate boulevard street classification qualifies for required on‑site loading/unloading access; the Committee adopted the technical edit.
Why it matters: the change creates a city‑center interim option for chronically vacant buildings that could otherwise depress street life while preserving the ability to convert the property to housing in the future. The use‑and‑occupancy requirement was intended to ensure a bona fide community occupant rather than a paper placeholder.
Next steps: Committee will forward the amended ZTA to full council for the legislative process.
