The Santa Ana Planning Commission on Dec. 15 approved a modification to Conditional Use Permit 76‑38 (Mod 1) that allows Extra Space Storage to expand its existing self‑storage facility at 212–280 N. Sullivan and 2602 W. 5th St. The project will replace an existing one‑story manager’s building with a new three‑story, approximately 84,197‑square‑foot climate‑controlled storage building, add a ground‑floor rental office and a second‑floor 750‑square‑foot manager’s apartment, and upgrade on‑site landscaping and fencing.

Staff planner Nancy Tran told the commission the site has operated as a self‑storage facility since the 1970s and is zoned M‑1. Under the proposal, the operator will remove a 1,214‑square‑foot office/manager building and construct a modern industrial‑style building with improved street‑facing design and a 15‑foot buffer where feasible. Tran said the project is eligible for a CEQA Class 32 infill exemption and that staff recommends adoption of a resolution approving the modification as conditioned.

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on building height, fire and elevator access to upper floors, and perimeter security. Danny Morris, an Extra Space Storage operations representative, said the design includes rear loading and elevator access and that the company will keep camera footage for 30 days and staff the site with a resident manager. Morris also noted the project FAR is 0.61, well under the 1.5 threshold the code allows.

A single public commenter asked about current vacancy and market demand. Morris responded that conditioned (climate‑controlled) units generate higher demand and that company occupancy metrics demonstrate unmet demand at the site.

Commissioner Wu moved to approve the CUP modification; Vice Chair Benninger seconded. Benninger proposed and the commission adopted a friendly amendment requiring that exterior building lighting be dimmed at 10 p.m. The motion passed on a roll‑call vote by majority, with Commissioner Escamilla absent.

The project’s final conditions require conformance with building and fire codes, a photometric lighting plan consistent with the dimming requirement, implementation of the approved landscape plan, and recording of the notice of exemption. Appeals of Planning Commission actions may be filed within 10 days under city rules.