Planning commission conditions United Rentals storage yard approval after setback, capacity concerns

The Lower Nazareth Township Planning Commission on Jan. 19, 2026 recommended approval of a Preliminary/Final Land Development plan for a United Rentals mobile storage yard — but made the recommendation conditional on the applicant modifying the plan or pursuing zoning relief to address setbacks and capacity issues. Commission documents and staff letters from Jan. 16 (Engineer Justin Coyle) and Jan. 19 (Planning & Zoning Administrator Lori Seese) were cited as the basis for required changes.

Attorney John VanLuvanee, representing the applicant, said United Rentals is leasing the property rather than purchasing it. At the commission's request, engineer Justin Klee confirmed that the plan shows 133 units depicted; commissioners noted that "when you count the number of units depicted on the plan and multiply by (3) high, the plan depicts the ability to store more than the approved 300 units." Chair Linda Crook cautioned that "just because it was done incorrectly before, it doesn't mean it should be allowed to continue."

Commissioners debated whether the existing placement of containers within yard setbacks could be remedied by reconfiguring the plan or by removing containers. Commissioner Edward Dulac observed that removing 30 containers that sit within the setbacks could bring the site into compliance. Township Engineer Justin Coyle and Administrator Lori Seese maintained that zoning approval or an amended plan is necessary; VanLuvanee countered that there was "no zoning determination to appeal, so they don't have to do anything." The commission ultimately determined it would not support approval while storage remained in setback areas.