Lee County board opts for special‑use review after planning panel backs self‑storage as permitted use
May 21, 2024 | Lee County, Virginia
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Lee County supervisors on May 21 declined to convert a planning commission recommendation into immediate countywide permitted rights for self‑storage in R‑2 residential zones, instead voting to treat the application from M and W Real Estate as requiring a special‑use permit.
Planning staff described a unanimous planning commission recommendation to allow self‑storage and warehouse uses as a permitted use in the R‑2 General Residential District. The commission’s recommendation was intended to speed approvals by removing the need for a special‑use process in many cases.
Planning staff cautioned that allowing self‑storage as a permitted use countywide could permit such facilities in some residential areas where they may not be appropriate. Concerns raised by supervisors and staff included traffic, the size of storage structures, and the risk of effectively spot‑zoning residential parcels.
Michael Hughes, representing M and W Real Estate, said his proposal is for a modest mini‑storage facility on a vacant lot and argued it would improve the property and neighborhood. "This ain't gonna be a big storage bill... it's just gonna be a normal mini storage facility," Hughes said.
After discussion, a board member moved that, instead of approving the text amendment as a permitted use, the board treat the self‑storage use as a special‑use permit for the county’s R‑2 district; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no opposition. Board members said the special‑use designation preserves the ability of the planning commission and supervisors to review specific locations for suitability.
Why it matters: the change alters how future applicants will seek permits for self‑storage in residential districts. Making self‑storage a permitted use would let qualified applicants apply administratively in many locations; adopting special‑use status restores a public hearing and review step for locations the planning commission or board may find inappropriate.
Next steps: staff indicated they will discuss the precise wording and any needed ordinance amendments and will bring the item back as required by the county’s ordinance process.
Planning staff described a unanimous planning commission recommendation to allow self‑storage and warehouse uses as a permitted use in the R‑2 General Residential District. The commission’s recommendation was intended to speed approvals by removing the need for a special‑use process in many cases.
Planning staff cautioned that allowing self‑storage as a permitted use countywide could permit such facilities in some residential areas where they may not be appropriate. Concerns raised by supervisors and staff included traffic, the size of storage structures, and the risk of effectively spot‑zoning residential parcels.
Michael Hughes, representing M and W Real Estate, said his proposal is for a modest mini‑storage facility on a vacant lot and argued it would improve the property and neighborhood. "This ain't gonna be a big storage bill... it's just gonna be a normal mini storage facility," Hughes said.
After discussion, a board member moved that, instead of approving the text amendment as a permitted use, the board treat the self‑storage use as a special‑use permit for the county’s R‑2 district; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with no opposition. Board members said the special‑use designation preserves the ability of the planning commission and supervisors to review specific locations for suitability.
Why it matters: the change alters how future applicants will seek permits for self‑storage in residential districts. Making self‑storage a permitted use would let qualified applicants apply administratively in many locations; adopting special‑use status restores a public hearing and review step for locations the planning commission or board may find inappropriate.
Next steps: staff indicated they will discuss the precise wording and any needed ordinance amendments and will bring the item back as required by the county’s ordinance process.
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