McPherson Mini-Storage, a self-storage operator in McPherson, Kan., is scheduled to have a public hearing today to discuss its plan to add three buildings to its property at 820 E. 1st St. The expansion plan could face opposition from area residents because the storage facility was originally approved under a residential zoning permit. The business was grandfathered in after the city changed self-storage to a business and commercial zoning designation, but the construction project requires a zoning change.
If the business was destroyed, they couldnt rebuild there because of the change, said Tom Stinemetze, the citys planning and zoning administrator.
Residents who live within 200 feet of the proposed construction area can file a legal protest against the project, Stinemetze said. If 20 percent or more of those landowners file protests, the motion to approve the project would have to be passed by a three-quarters majority vote of the city commission. In McPhersons case, it would require a unanimous decision since the commission has only three members, according to the source.
If legal protests fall short of 20 percent, then the expansion project would require a simple majority vote for approval.
Self-storage owner Larry Smith said he was confident the project will be approved. Im sure itll work out fine, he said. Everyones positive, and right now were just working through the process.
If there is no legal protest, the planning commission would likely decide on the zoning classification change on Nov. 19, with the city commission voting on the project on Nov. 25, according to the source.
Sources:
- McPherson Sentinel: Public Hearing for Mini-Storage Expansion Set for Tuesday
