Developer Seeks City Council Approval for Self-Storage Facility

Santa Clarita Planning Division staff recommends denying the request, citing zoning conflicts

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Cerritos developer is appealing a Santa Clarita Planning Commission decision to deny his proposal to convert a vacant retail space in his shopping center into a self-storage facility. The developer has hired a lobbyist and paid the appeal fee to make his case to the Santa Clarita City Council, arguing that there is high demand for "Class A, climate-controlled" self-storage in the area. However, city planning staff have recommended the Council uphold the Planning Commission's denial, stating the proposed use conflicts with the area's current zoning.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between developers' desires to maximize the use of commercial spaces and cities' efforts to maintain zoning regulations and long-term planning goals. The outcome could set a precedent for how Santa Clarita handles future self-storage proposals, particularly on major commercial corridors.

The details

The developer, Phillip Lee, has been trying to find a tenant for a 26,000-square-foot vacant space in his shopping center at Lyons Avenue and Orchard Village Road since 2016, when Aldi took over the former Ralphs anchor tenant. Lee says he has received over 40 rejections from potential retail and fitness tenants, with most citing parking concerns. In an effort to fill the space, Lee is now proposing to convert it into a self-storage facility, which he argues would meet high local demand for "Class A, climate-controlled" storage. However, city planning staff have recommended denying the request, stating it conflicts with the Lyons Corridor Plan and would require a zoning change that amounts to "spot zoning." The Planning Commission previously denied the project for similar reasons.

  • Lee acquired the property in 2014 when Ralphs was the anchor tenant.
  • Aldi took over the anchor space in 2016, leaving 26,000 square feet vacant.
  • Lee submitted the self-storage proposal to the city in March 2026.
  • The Planning Commission denied the project in December 2026.
  • Lee is appealing the decision to the Santa Clarita City Council on February 24, 2026.

The players

Phillip Lee

The property owner who is proposing to convert vacant retail space in his shopping center into a self-storage facility.

Santa Clarita Planning Division

The city planning staff who have recommended denying Lee's self-storage proposal due to zoning conflicts.

Santa Clarita Planning Commission

The city planning commission that previously denied Lee's self-storage proposal, citing concerns about "spot zoning."

Santa Clarita City Council

The city council that will hear Lee's appeal and make the final decision on the self-storage proposal.

Hunt Braly

The city-registered lobbyist hired by Lee to represent the self-storage project in the appeal to the City Council.

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What they’re saying

“The staff was not supportive for this type of use at this location.”

— Andy Olson

“Approving it would be inconsistent with the council's prior policies on limiting storage facilities on major corridors.”

— Andy Olson

“Spot zoning, as none of the surrounding properties allow such a use.”

— Andy Olson

“The appearance of spot zoning, as to a certain degree the practice makes surrounding zones arbitrary.”

— Nathan Keith, Planning Commissioner

“The demand remains really high for what he called 'Class A, climate-controlled facilities,' like the one being considered in his appeal.”

— Phillip Lee, Property Owner

What’s next

The Santa Clarita City Council will hear Lee's appeal and make a final decision on the self-storage proposal at their meeting on February 24, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing the needs of developers and property owners with their long-term planning goals and zoning regulations, particularly when it comes to commercial uses like self-storage facilities on major corridors. The Council's decision could set an important precedent for how Santa Clarita handles similar proposals in the future.