Cashmere hears public comment on storage moratorium

CASHMERE — Cashmere officials are considering a six-month moratorium on new mini- and self-storage projects as the city updates its comprehensive land use plan, a proposal that drew comment from local business owner and Cashmere School Board Vice President Nick Wood during a recent public hearing.

City leaders said the temporary pause would give planners time to evaluate where self-storage facilities fit within the city’s long-term development goals, particularly as officials review land uses in areas such as the downtown business district.

“This is a six-month moratorium on new mini and self-storage throughout the city,” Director of Operations Steve Croci said during the meeting.

Officials said the discussion is tied to the ongoing update of Cashmere’s comprehensive plan, which guides land use and development decisions.

“We’re in the process of updating a comprehensive land use plan,” the official said. “There are some concerns with people taking some — potentially developing some — vacant downtown properties and putting mini storage in there.”

Under the proposal, the moratorium would apply to new projects citywide while the planning review takes place.

Officials noted that the pause would not affect existing self-storage businesses or projects that have already received permits. One permit for a new storage facility on the east side of Cashmere, near the river’s edge, is already active and would be allowed to proceed.

Wood, who owns a mini-storage facility on Sunset Avenue, spoke during the hearing and urged councilmembers to consider allowing new projects in commercial and industrial zones even if restrictions are applied elsewhere.

“I guess my opinion on that would be to consider zoning areas, current zoning areas, downtown business district versus the zoning for commercial and industrial areas,” Wood said.

“I own mini storage here down on Sunset Avenue. I do have some stuff in the works. But I am in a commercial light industrial zoning area,” Wood said.

“So I guess my opinion on that would be to maybe reconsider not putting a moratorium on those types of zoning areas because those areas are already kind of zoned for that type of business.”

Wood also said demand for storage in the area remains strong.

“My places are completely full, have been for six months, and we need more space,” he said. “It’s one of those things that everybody around here seems to be full.”

The council closed the public hearing after the discussion. No vote was taken during the meeting, and the proposal is expected to return for further consideration as work on the comprehensive plan continues.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media