This proposed building at the entrance to Carolina Forest will be the tallest in the area

The building will be three-stories tall with more than 660 units. But it won’t house people, just their stuff.

The climate-controlled, indoor mini-storage facility is being planned for the entryway to Carolina Forest on International Drive, across from Lowes Foods.

David Schwerd, deputy director of Horry County planning and zoning, said it will be the tallest building in that area.

The five-acre property next to River Oaks Drive and across from Market Place Drive is owned by Westlake Land Holding. The proposed storage building doesn’t have a name yet.

The project doesn’t require a rezoning request, so approval by the Horry County Council is not required.

The business is requesting site plan approval and storm water permits.

“If you are not seeking rezoning there is no public input or discussion,” Schwerd said. “Plans are reviewed by staff.”

Those plans are expected to get final approval soon.

“You’re going to see more demand for these facilities so people can store their wares, and without having to drive further out to get to a storage facility,” Schwerd said.

“It’s a growing trend,” Schwerd said.

Nearly a half-dozen proposals have come through the county planning office, including a proposed building on S.C. Highway 544, Schwerd said.

There are 1,200 to 1,500 people a month moving to Horry County and many are buying smaller lots and houses, driving up the demand for indoor storage units.

“People don’t want yards to maintain as much, they would rather have smaller lots they can maintain with bigger amenities like pools and large (recreation) centers,” Schwerd said.

Many HOAs don’t allow storage buildings on site, however some developments have areas to keep recreational vehicles and boats.

This story was originally published October 20, 2017 at 10:22 AM with the headline "This proposed building at the entrance to Carolina Forest will be the tallest in the area."