Proposed storage facility project in Auburn approved

The storage facility project proposed for an empty lot within the Train Village neighborhood in Auburn was approved by the Placer County Zoning Administrator on June 18. Foothill Storage is proposed as a three-story self-storage facility with 840 storage units, 23 parking spaces and an EV charger. The project site, located on the corner of Dolores Drive and Terry Lane, is currently an undeveloped 2.36-acre lot that is designated General Commercial in the Auburn/Bowman Community Plan. A hearing to consider the adequacy of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis and the project's minor use permit and design review agreement was initially held on May 21. The hearing was continued to June 18 and the county's hearing officer, Crystal Jacobsen, requested the applicant look into different access for the Terry Lane access, create additional visual simulations down Terry Lane and sit down with community members before the continuance. Martin Romero, associate planner for Placer County, provided Jacobsen with an overview of the project, inclusive of changes made since its introduction in May. Romero confirmed the applicant provided additional renderings of the project's western elevation along Terry Lane, inclusive of the Terry Lane access revised to emergency vehicle access. According to Romero, two meetings were held June 9 and 10 with nine community members, which resulted in the addition of conditions of approval of the applicant displaying signage with the property owner's contact information on the facility's office and gates, the color of the roll-up doors be changed to an earth tone rather than yellow and the landscape screening along the Terry Lane frontage be enhanced. Eight comments were received from Train Village residents, noting opposition and their concerns, which include traffic safety, the need for a complete environmental review, the activity a storage facility could bring to the area and the safety of children who live and play in the neighborhood. "It doesn't make sense safety-wise. It doesn't make sense for our community. It really doesn't," said Laura White, a resident of Train Village. "It doesn't benefit anyone but the applicant." Helene Ferreira, an Auburn resident of 70-plus years and a one-year resident of Train Village, added, "We don't need more storage units. What we need here in Auburn is more housing. We need housing for people like myself who has lived here my entire life and cannot find affordable housing in the community. We don't need storage, we need housing. And I'm appalled that Placer County isn't looking at that." Following comments, Jacobsen reviewed the changes made to the project and noted she understood the community's concern and was not making the decision lightly. "There is definitely a balance to be had here," Jacobsen said. Jacobsen determined the CEQA analysis was adequate and adopted the mitigated negative declaration; approved the project's minor use permit, with the hours of operation being limited to 7 p.m. instead of the proposed 9 p.m.; and approved the design review agreement. Jacobsen confirmed there is a 10-day appeal period before the decision is final. Appeals can be filed with a fee of $774. If the decision is appealed, it will be set aside to be reviewed by the Placer County Planning Commission.