The Novato Planning Commission has approved a new self-storage complex, despite neighborhood opposition.
The decision on Sept. 8 was unanimous. City staff determined the project is exempt from additional state environmental review. The project does not require City Council approval.
The proposed 95,400-square-foot, three-building complex at 501 Davidson St. was opposed by residents in the area, which includes Slade Park. Residents expressed concerns about the buildings’ size, increased traffic, equipment noise and light pollution.
“What I’m seeing is a fairly benign use out there,” said Peter Tiernan, a planning commissioner. “I think there’s been a number of modifications. I think there’s been an attempt to address the issues that have been brought up and I give them credit for that.”
The plan features 597 storage lockers, an office, drive aisles, parking, landscaping and a 6,600-square-foot bioretention area to reduce stormwater runoff.
The 3.2-acre site was previously owned by Frontier Telecommunications. The city purchased it for $5.8 million in 2022. The city leases a 1.7-acre parcel to the applicant, Vero West, according to a staff report.
“It’s a low-intensity use, in high demand, and an appropriate fit for the industrial-zone property,” said Mario Ghilotti, founder and a managing partner of Vero West.
An office building and two warehouses would be demolished to build the complex, city planner Brett Walker said. The project plans include two, one-story buildings ranging from more than 4,800 square feet to more 8,400 square feet — one with 1,200 square feet of office space — and one two- and three- story building of 82,100 square feet.
A traffic study determined the project could generate 54 vehicle visits per day. The access hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The project will require dark-sky compliant lighting, according to the staff report.
The multistory building exceeds the city’s height allowance of 35 feet in the light industrial-office zone by around 2 feet for two safety walls on the roof. It plans for seven parking spaces, instead of the 65 spaces required by city code.
“I must continue to object to the size and scale of the project,” resident Hilary Peters said. “It’s simply too large, especially building C, which will be easily seen from our neighborhood.”
“From my front door I look out at this building,” resident Loretta DeGreef said. “What’s going to be the value of the property when the city gets it back in 30 years?”
Commissioner Bill Crockett noted there was likely a lot of traffic when Frontier Telecommunications was operating. He said the stormwater retention basin was a “net improvement” to the site.
“This is probably generating the least traffic,” Crockett said. “It doesn’t have any windows so in terms of light pollution, etc. I think good measures have been done.”
Resident Eileen Vollowitz said the area lacks sidewalks, and many residents use Davidson Street to walk. She said the increase in traffic creates a dangerous situation.
“Once there’s two-way traffic there’s no space for people, and I’m concerned mostly about that,” Vollowitz said.
“This is really a reckless, dangerous project,” resident Paula Neese said.
