Forsyth County planners deadlock over storage plan

Forsyth County Planning Commissioners were asked to approve a self-storage building with a more rustic appearance, unlike the more industrial style of storage facility as seen in Snellville. AJC file photo

Forsyth County Planning Commissioners were asked to approve a self-storage building with a more rustic appearance, unlike the more industrial style of storage facility as seen in Snellville. AJC file photo

The Forsyth County Planning Commission deadlocked on a proposal to allow building of a storage facility in South Forsyth — a plan which would have violated guidelines put in place just months ago.

OCS Enterprises sought a conditional use permit for an approximately 103,000-square-foot climate-controlled storage facility east of Atlanta Highway and south of Shirlee Industrial Way. The firm also pushed for approval of three variances, including one that would allow the building to be 360 feet long. That’s counter to a 200-foot-long maximum for storage buildings established in December 2016.

Attorney Christopher Light, representing the company, said the effects of the extra length would be mitigated by a brick-and-stucco style appearance of the building, which he said would mostly be invisible from Atlanta Highway. But county staffers had recommended denial.

The 2-2 tie vote means the matter will be considered again at the commission’s July 25 meeting.