Amherst County, VA, Pursues Self-Storage Zoning Change

Officials in Amherst County, Virginia, are considering a change in the county’s zoning ordinance that would alter the conditions of self-storage development. The intent is to block these types of projects from being built along U.S Route 29, a main corridor, according to the source.

If the ordinance is changed, new self-storage developments would be considered a special exception instead of a permitted use in the general commercial zoning district. In addition, facilities must be at least 500 feet from highways.

“Route 29 is an area we are trying to protect,” said Jeremy Bryant, county administrator. “It’s our main corridor. It’s something the Route 29 Business Beautification Committee spent a lot of time trying to improve. Generally, storage units aren’t seen as a use that we believe should be at the front of Route 29.”

The Amherst County Planning Commission directed county staff in December to set a public hearing for the code change.

Source: News Advance, Amherst County Proposes Zoning Change for Self-Storage Facilities