Planning commission approves Compass Self Storage certificate with staff conditions

The Bluffton Planning Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for Compass Self Storage, a proposed two‑building, climate‑controlled self‑storage complex totaling about 109,398 square feet located at the northeast corner of Cane Drive and State Drive.

Planner staff told commissioners the applicant revised bio‑retention planting to a South Carolina native, the golden canna, moved trees away from pedestrian exits to satisfy the fire marshal, and supplied rooftop HVAC unit details and a line‑of‑sight exhibit. "They've changed it to a golden canna," the staff member said, noting the plant is native to South Carolina and appropriate for the bio‑retention areas. The staff report cited the UDO review criteria (section 3.7.3) and the Jones Estate development agreement as applicable.

Commissioners pressed the applicant on air‑conditioning capacity and rooftop equipment heights. An attendee warned that larger package units would be stopped by staff if they exceed the approved parapet‑height specifications; the planner confirmed the submitted details show equipment below the parapet. The commission approved the COA with conditions that: (1) the appropriateness of LED lighting be determined as a substitute for the listed fixtures; (2) all Development Review Committee and planning commission comments be addressed prior to final development‑plan alignment with the COA; and (3) a Town of Bluffton sign permit is required and reviewed separately.

The applicant representative, Jonathan Steele of Compass Self Storage, said the project team provided engineering load calculations and is available to answer final questions. The approval was recorded as a voice vote; the motion and conditions were adopted by the commission and will proceed as required by town process.