The site map of the proposed storage unit structures at 10350 N. U.S. 31 in Redding Township.
Submitted map
BROWNSTOWN — The Jackson County Board of Zoning Appeals recently approved a local resident’s request for a special exception to operate a commercial self-storage business.
Jason Long’s application for the business at 10350 N. U.S. 31 in Redding Township was approved during Tuesday night’s meeting at the Jackson County Courthouse in Brownstown. The vote was 4-0 with BZA member Seth Pollert absent.
The special exception was needed because it’s in an area zoned for general business.
Long’s petition called for the construction of three different sized units: 20-by-130 feet, 20-by-110 feet and 15-by-120 feet. The 15-by-120 unit will be one-sided, and the other two units will be double-sided.
The three storage buildings will contain 73 units that consist of 5-by-10 feet, 10-by-10 feet and 10-by-15 feet. There will be a gate that is keypad activated with operation hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In addition to security, Long will install floodlights around and inside the property as well as cameras.
During the Jackson County Plan Commission meeting March 21, Long said he doesn’t plan to have an office on the property, but a storage shed will be used for utility purposes and security equipment.
The property will be mostly gravel with some paved areas, such as the storage units with metal framing for the structure of the storage buildings.
Boats, motorhomes, recreational vehicles and no exterior storage will be permitted there.
Long was given favorable recommendation at the plan commission meeting with the stipulation that an entrance be implemented off of U.S. 31 due to the concern of the property sharing an entrance with a neighboring residence.
At the BZA meeting, Long said he was in favor of installing a separate entrance to avoid any potential conflicts that could arise in the future.
Another concern Long addressed was the implementation of slatted fencing. A slatted fence uses horizontal timber boards or planks that are placed along a supporting frame with space between each board.
Long said after having some time to think about the fencing, he doesn’t see an issue with slatted fencing being added instead of regular chain fencing.
The board then asked the audience if anyone was in favor or opposition of Long’s petition. Jeff and Cynthia Hopkins were opposed to the petition due to the lack of privacy and questions they needed addressed. They live on the north side within 30 yards of the property line and have lived there for more than 15 years.
They also mentioned a septic field that had not been in operation but said they were not sure if it has been properly abandoned.
Long and the board were not aware of the septic field, but Long agreed to take the steps to properly abandon the septic field so it would not be a health and safety issue.
Long also was asked to not pave over a culvert that is situated on the property, a concern that also was brought up by the Hopkinses.
They also asked if there was going to be an attendant on the property or any dumpsters for trash. Long said there will not be an attendant, but he plans to check on the property two to three times a week for maintenance and other issues, and he agreed with the board that adding dumpsters to the property could allow unwanted trash to gather there.
The board asked if Long would have an issue installing a taller fence to help with security and privacy issues. He said he doesn’t have an issue installing a 6-foot fence but is hesitant going any higher due to cost.
The petition was passed with the specific conditions of installing 6-foot slatted fencing, properly abandoning the septic field and implementing his own entrance off of U.S. 31. Board members gave comments after the petition was passed.
“I think this will be a good addition to the county,” BZA member John Hinton said.
BZA member Sherry Bridges said she believes Long will take good care of the property, and if it was to deteriorate, it would be a reflection of his character.