New Haven, CT, Officials Restrict Self-Storage Development With Special-Use Permits

Update 4/24/19 – The New Haven Board of Alders approved the text amendment that was viewed favorably by the planning commission in February. Self-storage developers who wish to build in the city’s central business/medical, heavy-industry, light-industry, and wholesale and distribution districts will now need a special permit from the planning commission, according to the source.

An earlier report indicated the amendment would also allow self-storage into automotive-sales districts with a special permit, but the source made no mention of that provision. The use is currently prohibited in such areas.

2/25/19 – The New Haven, Conn., Planning Commission recently voted unanimously in favor of a zoning text amendment that would require self-storage projects to receive a special-use permit in several districts where it’s currently an at-right use. The ordinance would affect developments targeted for central business/medical, heavy-industry, light-industry, and wholesale and distribution districts, according to the source.

The plan would also allow self-storage into automotive-sales districts with a special permit. The use is currently prohibited in such areas.

Self-storage development activity was characterized as a “nationwide problem” by commission chair Ed Mattison. An advisory report from city staff notes that self-storage can have a negative economic-development impact on districts and neighborhoods, the source reported. The city would prefer to earmark properties for residential projects or other commercial uses.

The move would also give the city greater control over storage-facility designs to ensure they’re compatible with the aesthetics of surrounding buildings and neighborhoods, according to Mike Piscitelli, acting city planning director.

It’s unclear when the ordinance might be reviewed by the city council.

Source:
New Haven Independent, Self-Storage Gets More Scrutiny; “Cat Cafe” Defined
New Haven Independent, Cat Cafe Clarified; Self-Storage Scrutinized