The zoning board in Stewart Township, Pa., gave a restaurant and bar owner the green light to open a self-storage business on property he owns.

Dogwood Acres owner James Tartal was given permission to build storage units on his 7-acre property. However, the board has stipulations. Tartal’s request for a setback variance to build the units 54 feet from the road was denied, as was his request for the units to be recognized as a permitted use under the township zoning ordinance's provision for personal service shops.

The board did approve Tartal’s petition for a use variance for an existing single-family home, affirming a prior ruling made in 1997.
Tartal also agreed to install a privacy fence at least 8 feet tall, and install video surveillance. Units will also be less than 15 feet tall and a neutral color. The facility will be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In March, several residents near the restaurant opposed the self-storage project, believing it would attract criminal activity. The board disagreed.

The restaurant property is zoned for business use, but surrounded mostly by residential properties.

Source:  Herald Standard,  Steward Township Self-Storage Business Receives OK

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