(A) Intent. The following provisions provide minimum development standards for mini-storage facilities. These standards are designed to provide for the appropriate development of mini-storage facilities and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of county residents using such facilities or who live or conduct business adjacent to such facilities.
(C) Permitted uses. Mini-storage facilities shall be designed and operated for the storage of goods in individual compartments or rooms, which are available for use by the public on a rental or lease basis. In no case shall storage spaces be used for manufacturing, retail or wholesale selling, compounding, office functions, other business or service uses, or human habitation.
(D) Development standards.
(1) Storage spaces. Individual storage spaces shall have a maximum gross floor area of 500 square feet.
(2) Walls. A six-foot-high decorative masonry wall combined with an earthen berm or landscaping to provide an eight-foot-high screen shall be provided around the entire mini-warehouse land use, unless otherwise approved. The rear and sides of mini-warehouse buildings may be used in place of portions of the required wall where no individual storage units are accessible from the building sides. The exterior side of all perimeter masonry walls and building sides (if used in place of portions of the walls), shall be coated with a protective coating that will facilitate the removal of graffiti.
(3) Lighting.
(a) All lighting shall be indirect, hooded, and positioned so as not to reflect onto adjoining property or public streets;
(b) Lighting fixtures may be installed in each individual storage space, provided that the fixtures shall not include or be adaptable to provide electrical service outlets;
(c) Light fixtures shall be controlled by time switches located in the respective individual storage unit with a maximum of 30 minute time limit per activation.
(4) Fire safety. Fire suppression systems, extinguishers, etc., shall be provided per the Fire Code.
(5) Alarms and security.
(a) Each mini-storage facility shall include an alarm system and security cameras and recording equipment as approved by the County Sheriff.
(b) Emergency phone numbers, including police, fire, and the operator’s, shall be posted in locations visible from outside and inside the facility.
(6) Gates. All gates shall be decorative wrought iron, chain link, other metal type, or wood. All metal type or wood gates must be painted in a color which coordinates with the rest of the mini-warehouse development. All gates shall be subject to review and approval to ensure adequate emergency access.
(7) Landscaping. All street setbacks and walls serving as buffers between the use and residentially zoned property shall be landscaped. This landscaping shall include shrubs, trees, vines, or a combination thereof which act to soften the visual effect of the walls. This landscaping shall be in addition to and coordinated with the landscaping required for parking areas.
(8) Setbacks.
(a) No mini-storage building, structure or wall shall be located closer than 20 feet from any street right-of-way;
(b) No building shall be located closer than 20 feet from any residential zoned property. Walls shall be located so as to provide a buffer between the residential zone and the mini-warehouse zone;
(c) All open areas, including interior setbacks, may be used for driveways, parking, outdoor storage or landscaping.
(9) Caretaker’s residence. One caretaker’s residence may be included within the site plan for a mini storage facility. Where a caretaker’s residence is proposed, a minimum of two parking spaces shall be provided for the caretaker’s residence in addition to those required for the mini-warehouse land use.
(10) Prohibited materials. The following materials shall not be stored in mini-storage facilities:
(a) Flammable or explosive matter or material;
(b) Matter or material which creates obnoxious dust, odor, or fumes;
(c) Hazardous or extremely hazardous waste, as defined by applicable provisions of the Hazardous Waste Control Law (Cal. Health and Safety Code §§ 25100 et seq.);
(d) Any other prohibited materials per state or federal law.
(11) Prohibited facilities.
(a) No water, sanitary facilities, or electricity, with the exception of lighting fixtures, shall be provided in individual storage spaces;
(b) Prefabricated shipping containers shall not be used as mini-storage facilities.
(12) Additional development requirements. Additional development standards may be required as conditions of approval.
(Ord. 1043 § 3 (part), 2022)