The Cherokee County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners unanimously approved changes this week to the regulations that govern self-storage development. A special-use permit will now be required for all projects regardless of zoning, according to the source.

Prior to the change, self-storage was permitted in general commercial areas with a special-use permit and as a restricted use in light industrial.

The new rules also require that climate-controlled self-storage buildings to be on at least 3 acres, while non-climate-controlled buildings must be on 5 acres or more. In addition, the phrase “outdoor storage areas” was replaced with “non-climate-controlled facilities.” They’ll be limited to the side or back of the main building with unit doors facing the property’s interior. The board also established minimum setback requirements.

A 40-day moratorium on storage development was enacted in Cherokee in September, then extended by 90 days a month later. A public hearing to discuss the ordinance changes was held in December.

Source: Cherokee Tribune and Ledger-New, Cherokee County Commissioners OK Changes to Self-Storage Regulations