This section shall apply to self-storage uses.

(Code 1992, § 16.50.400.1; Ord. No. 202-H, § 2, 11-23-2015)

Self-storage uses will be necessary to serve the needs of a growing population. During the latter portion of the 20th century, self-storage uses were typically constructed as a series of one-story buildings with exterior access to individual spaces via overhead doors. In built-out, urban cities such as St. Petersburg, higher land values typically encourage more efficient uses of land, which has led to adaptations in how self-storage opportunities are provided. These adaptations have included incorporation into multi-story and vertical mixed-use developments. This section is intended to establish standards for these uses to ensure that development occurs in a manner that is consistent with and appropriate for an urban environment.

(Code 1992, § 16.50.400.2; Ord. No. 202-H, § 2, 11-23-2015)

The establishment, expansion, or redevelopment of storage, self uses shall be allowed as provided in the Matrix: Use Permissions and Parking Requirements and shall comply with the development standards of the zoning district, the general development standards, and this section.

(Code 1992, § 16.50.400.3; Ord. No. 202-H, § 2, 11-23-2015)

A.

Except as required otherwise by this section, the site layout and orientation and building and architectural design requirements shall comply with the standards of the applicable zoning classification.

B.

Access to individual storage spaces shall be provided from within the building or from an interior courtyard enclosed by building walls on all sides. Doors accessing individual storage spaces through an interior courtyard shall not be visible from any property line.

C.

A building containing storage units shall include at least one principal entrance, which faces the primary street. The leasing office and other non-storage customer service areas shall be incorporated into the linear building frontage along the primary street.

D.

Storage spaces shall not be used as workshops or other active uses.

E.

Outdoor storage of any type, including but not limited to, moving vans, commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, and boats shall be prohibited, except where outdoor storage is allowed by the Use Permissions and Parking Requirements Matrix and Zoning Matrix.

F.

Loading Areas. For purposes of this section, the term "loading" shall include both the placement of personal products onto, or removal from, a transportation vehicle; the term "area" shall include both loading bays and loading zones. All loading areas shall be provided along the interior side or rear of the building. Required off-street parking spaces shall not be used to satisfy the requirement for a loading area. Loading areas shall meet the following minimum requirements:

1.

Loading areas shall be screened from view with a solid masonry wall measuring at least six feet in height. Where the loading area is abutting, or across an alley from, any residential use or residential zoning district, the loading area shall be screened from view with a solid masonry wall measuring at least eight feet in height. The required screening wall(s) shall be architecturally finished to match the building;

2.

Any loading bay visible from an adjacent residential use or residential zoning district shall have an overhead door which shall be closed at all times, except during an active loading process;

3.

There shall be a minimum of one loading space for tractor trailers, meeting dimensional requirements as specified in this code. Loading spaces shall be located and arranged so that a semi-tractor trailer shall be able to gain access to and use such space by means of one continuous parking maneuver;

4.

Loading with commercial vehicles shall be prohibited between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

G.

Solid waste containers. Storage of solid waste containers is encouraged to be provided within the building, where possible. Solid waste containers shall be stored and accessed along the interior side or rear of the building or required yard. The enclosure shall be setback a minimum of 20 feet from any property line abutting, or across an alley from, any residential use or residential zoning district, and shall be screened from view in accordance with this code.

(Code 1992, § 16.50.400.4; Ord. No. 893-G, § 12, 9-4-2008; Ord. No. 202-H, § 2, 11-23-2015)

A.

When located within a designated activity center, identified by the City of St. Petersburg's Comprehensive Plan and shown on the future land use map, accessory self-storage uses shall not exceed 25 percent of the floor area of the allowable principal use.

(Ord. No. 256-H, § 3, 2-16-2017)