Mini-storage business finds no home in Costa Mesa

Deirdre Newman

The city’s quest for harmony and compatibility has claimed another

victim.

This time, a mini-storage building in a commercial area next to

residential property was fatally felled by charges that it did not

fit into the neighborhood.

On Monday, the city council voted 4 to 1 to uphold the Planning

Commission’s denial of a permit for the 6,400-square-foot building in

the 1600 block of Tustin Avenue.

Councilman Gary Monahan had appealed the decision because he

wanted the option to explore rezoning the property to residential.

Many residents agreed that the property, which is between a

commercial building to the north and two residences to the south, was

better suited for housing.

“We have spot zoning where something from the past caught up to

us,” said resident Martin Millard. “The applicant would be willing to

put homes on this area if it were rezoned. That’s the way to go.”

On Jan. 27, the Planning Commission denied Ed Elowe’s application

to construct a two-story mini-storage building with a manager’s unit.

Elowe had requested exceptions from city requirements for a setback

from the residences nearby and for one less parking space.

Despite Elowe’s offer to reduce the building’s density by 800

square feet, neighbors convinced the council that the mini-storage

was not harmonious and compatible with the area. They also complained

of a glut of mini-storage businesses in the city.

“Costa Mesa should be called the ‘City of Public Storage’ instead

of the ‘City of the Arts,’” said resident Beth Refakus.

Disappointed, but not dispirited, Elowe said he empathized with

the neighbors and would be back for a third try with an apartment

proposal for the property.

“I don’t begrudge the neighbors, they have to live with it, too,”

Elowe said. “We’re going to take the City Council up on their promise

to look into rezoning it. They’re being as helpful as they can be

considering the awkwardness of the process.”

Councilwoman Libby Cowan dissented, citing her opinion that since

the property is in a commercial zone, the owner should be able to

establish a commercial business.