The McDonough city council amended their code in November 2023 to allow indoor self-storage. Now, the first project using the new code section has been approved. A second request, located within walking distance of the first proposal, is on the April calendar.
Both requests are located in the vicinity of state route 81 and Lake Dow Road. Whereas the first project plans a multi-story brick building, the second request proposes both indoor and outdoor storage.
Indoor Self-Storage in McDonough
Last November, McDonough staff presented to the city council a request to amend the city’s code. Such change allows for indoor self-storage in the C-3 zoning district, subject to an approved special use permit. The permit, also known as a conditional use permit in Henry County, is site-specific. It requires a public hearing before the council can approve it. The council was shown photos of businesses resembling Class ”A” office buildings, as is often the case with indoor self-storage. The council subsequently adopted the code amendment.
Less than six months later, the city has received not one, but two requests for self-storage. The two properties are about 1,500’ apart, raising the question whether there’s sufficient demand for two new facilities in such proximity. The council needs to ask this question. Furthermore, the second applicant has proposed outdoor boat and RV storage. This was not part of the council’s code amendment in November.
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Mergenser Self-Storage
The first project, submitted by Mergenser Enterprise, Inc., will be behind the Chick-fil-A and Starbucks at Lake Dow. The two-acre site has had C-3 zoning since 2012. Right now, the site is used as a gravel parking lot for Chick-fil-A employees.
The developer is proposing a four-story brick building — 3 stories above ground & a basement. The total building size is about 109 thousand square feet. In addition, the developer intends to lease parking spaces to Chick-fil-A. This resolves a question many residents had about parking for the popular food spot. There are no outdoor uses proposed as part of this project.
The city council approved this applicant’s special use permit by a 6–1 vote at their March 18 meeting. Councilman Burt voted in opposition.
Your Storage Units McDonough
The second project is being proposed by Your Storage Units. The brand has one existing Georgia location according to their website. It is in Augusta. They have eight locations in Florida and two in South Carolina.
They are looking to build on five acres located across the street from Publix at Lake Dow. This would be part of the under-construction development. Also building are various retail and restaurant outparcels.
Their project has three buildings. They include one three-story building, and two one-story buildings. Based on the project renderings, the one-story buildings resemble the outdoor garages often seen at self-storage businesses. There would also be two covered canopies for boat and RV storage.
The property has an existing C-3 zoning. The applicant requires a special use permit to build. The city council will consider this request in April. Its expected the item will be discussed at the following meetings:
- McDonough Council Workshop Session – Thursday, April 4
- McDonough Planning Commission Public Review & Recommendation – Tuesday, April 9
- McDonough Council Public Hearing & Vote – Monday, April 15
All meetings start at 6 pm. They take place at McDonough City Hall on Keys Ferry Street.
Featured image shows exterior photos of self-storage businesses. Your Storage Units / Barnes Gibson Partners Architects photos.
