Rendering of the development of front building proposed for 79 Platt Road.

SHELTON — The search will soon be over for those contractors looking for a spot to store equipment off their property.

The Planning and Zoning Commission, at its meeting Tuesday, approved John “Bud” Mandanici’s request for a special exception allowing construction of three separate buildings at 79 Platt Road — one in front for limited retail use and two buildings in the rear for private contractor storage and equipment bays.

Mandanici had requested a zone change for the property as well as the construction of the structures, all in one application. The commission voted to change the lot to an IA2 zone weeks ago, and then handled the construction plan as a separate application.

“Because there are no or few locations like this to store contractor equipment, a lot of them choose to store at their homes, which creates issues with violations,” said Christopher Russo, the attorney representing Mandanici, owner of 79 Platt Road, LLC.

“This project hopefully will relieve some of that pressure for those who want a place to store equipment and not use their own property. That’s why we are here,” Russo added.

Mandanici has been a contractor for decades and lives in the city, Russo said, so he understands the need, which is why he brought forth the proposal.

“The subject site has been underutilized and this proposal satisfies a facility in high demand,” according to the resolution, which was approved by a unanimous vote.

Russo said there would be a 6,750-square-foot building running parallel to Platt Road which would be used for limited retail use, presumably by contractors using the rear storage buildings. Russo said the front building would have 12 parking spaces in front for that use and would act as screening for the rear of the site.

The two rear buildings would each be 4,800 square feet and be used for private contractor storage and equipment bays. Russo said the owner feels four to six contractors would be using the space once complete, and there is already interest in renting it.

The property is located between Bridgeport Avenue and Route 8, directly across from Oliver Terrace in the middle of an industrial area. The site formerly contained a single-family home and is now vacant, Russo said.

Brian Gioiele has been working with weekly newspapers, including stints as editor in Weston, Monroe and now Shelton, since 1993. He has covered all aspects of local and state news and sports, winning awards for sports and news writing. He has spent the rest of his time with his four children, watching Boston sports and soccer.