To: Planning and Zoning Commission
From: Amber Washington, Planner I
Subject:
Title
PUBLIC HEARING: Consider a request for a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for F5 Auto Center, a major automobile repair facility (excluding paint and body work), on approximately 1.37 acres located on the east side of South Main Street, at the intersection of Calverley Place and South Main Street, legally described as Lot 5R of the South Meadow Industrial Park Addition, zoned Commercial and addressed 1661 S. Main Street. Magic Petroleum, LLC, Owner; Peyco Southwest Realty on behalf of Bruce Moore, Applicant. (SUP-22-0039)
Background:
Tire shops and minor automobile repair facilities have previously operated at this location. However, the Applicant plans to perform major automobile repair at this location, which is not permitted in the Commercial zoning district. Specifically, he intends to do work that includes engine reconditioning, air conditioning and transmission repair and service, as well as minor service such as oil changes, alternator and starter replacements, brake service, and regular vehicle maintenance. He does not plan to do any body work. Though not allowed in the Commercial district even with a Specific Use Permit, it is allowed with an SUP in the Light Industrial zoning district. The zoning change request is on this agenda as a separate item.
In the City of Keller Unified Development Code, Automobile Repair, Sales, and Service is permitted in the Commercial zoning district with an SUP and is defined as:
automobile repair uses that include light servicing or repair of automobiles, boats, motorcycles, and light load vehicles that does not generate noise or excess vapors and where services could be performed within a completely enclosed structure. These uses may incorporate retail sales. Examples include technology upgrades, windshield repairs and replacement, radio and electronic repairs and replacement, some customization or adding or accessories, battery replacement, spark plug replacement, some diagnostic services, and adding of fluids.
Engine rebuilds, however, are considered Major Automobile Repair as defined by the UDC:
automotive repair uses (including Auto Repair, moderate uses) for automobiles, boats, motorcycles, and light load vehicles that require heavy machinery and/or can be expected to generate noises and vapors not compatible with adjacent residential or retail uses. Examples include general repair or reconditioning of engines, air conditioning systems and transmissions for automobiles, boats, motorcycles, and light load vehicles (but not for heavy load vehicles), wrecker services; collision services, including body, frame or fender straightening or repair; customizing; painting; vehicle steam cleaning; upholstery; undercoating and rust-proofing.
As part of his request, the Applicant has provided proposed façade renderings of the building (see Staff Attachment A) and notes that all vehicle repair and maintenance work will be done inside the building and in a manner that does not impose on surrounding businesses.
Site Design:
The Applicant will be required to meet the current Keller UDC requirements for Light Industrial zoning, including landscaping and signage. The Applicant does not intend to expand the footprint of the existing repair facility. The existing parking (31 plus two accessible parking spaces) exceeds the UDC parking requirement of 1 space per 500 square-feet of floor area (in this case, 15 spaces required for 7,236 square-feet) for Major Automobile Repair.
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Employees:
The Applicant plans to hire 6-8 employees initially, with an expectation to bring on 12-14 as business picks up.
Summary:
Section 8.02 (F)(2) of the UDC states that when considering a SUP request, the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council shall consider the following factors:
1) The use is harmonious and compatible with surrounding existing uses or proposed uses;
2) The activities requested by the applicant are normally associated with the permitted uses in the base district;
3) The nature of the use is reasonable and appropriate in the immediate area;
4) Any negative impact on the surrounding area has been mitigated; and
5) That any additional conditions specified ensure that the intent of the district purposes are being upheld.
Citizen Input:
On January 30, 2023 the City mailed out 10 letters of notification for this Public Hearing to all property owners within three-hundred feet (300’) of the subject site, including a courtesy letter to the City of Fort Worth. A public hearing notice sign was posted on the site.
As of February 22, 2023 Staff has received one signed letter of opposition from a property owner within 200’ of the proposed zoning change (See Staff Attachment B).
Alternatives:
The Planning and Zoning Commission has the following options when considering a Specific Use Permit:
§ Recommend approval as submitted.
§ Recommend approval with modified or additional condition(s).
§ Table the agenda item to a specific date with clarification of intent and purpose.
§ Recommend denial.
City Council Action:
If the Planning and Zoning Commission takes action and makes a recommendation on this agenda item, then this Specific Use Permit application will be scheduled for City Council action on March 21, 2023.
Supporting Documents:
§ Aerial and Zoning Maps
§ Staff Attachment A - Application and Proposed Elevations
§ Staff Attachment B - Public Response