Council denies code change to allow indoor storage and "luxury condo" garages in business-commercial zone

The council voted on April 14 to deny an ordinance amendment that would have allowed indoor self-storage and so‑called "luxury condo garages" in Alpine's Business Commercial zone.

The applicant proposed repurposing the large former Purple Mattress building for a mix of controlled indoor storage units and private, condo‑style garage units. Planning Commission had recommended approval, but council members raised design‑compatibility concerns for the Gateway Historic area and asked whether the use aligned with the General Plan.

One councilmember described the proposed use as incompatible with surrounding structures and the adopted Gateway Historic policies that call for building forms similar to nearby properties. Another councilmember argued the land is a hard case — a large building in a business zone whose best economically viable uses are limited — and that carefully drafted CC&Rs, architectural controls and a one‑mile separation rule would limit proliferation.

After extensive deliberation on character, traffic, and long‑term precedent, the council voted first on an approval motion which failed and then passed a motion to deny the amendment as inconsistent with the city’s General Plan and Gateway Historic guidelines.

Outcome: The ordinance amendment was denied. The applicant may pursue other zone‑allowed uses or propose project‑specific conditions in the future.