Special-exception request to reduce western buffer for proposed storage facility tabled

Staff presented a special-exception request from Slade & Sons Construction LLC and Bostick Real Estate Properties LLC asking to waive portions of a required 25-foot landscape buffer along the western property line for a proposed self-storage facility. Staff referenced zoning-ordinance sections (read aloud) and argued that Building 1's planned brick facade plus additional fencing and vegetation would serve as architectural screening to minimize adverse impacts. "The proposed office building, which is going to have a decorative brick facade, and the additional storage building to the rear of the property facing the adjoining property, will act as a screen shielding the adjoining property from the self-service storage facility," Staff (Speaker 6) said.

Commissioners pressed staff on whether prior conditions required construction within a given timeframe (one year versus three) and noted no building, grading, or visible work had occurred. Residents spoke during public comment; Ms. Bush (Speaker 10) said she backs up to the site and raised concerns about the amount of buffer, the potential for 24-hour access to storage units, an absence of a true road cut across the parcel, and chronic backyard flooding. Commissioners expressed the need to see the complete, current site plan and to have the applicant present; the commission voted to table the special-exception request to the next meeting.