BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
This item is a public hearing. This item is a request for approval of a specific use permit to allow the operation of a tire sales and auto repair garage on property located 836 S Saginaw Blvd in Saginaw.
Owner: Alwahban Real Estate, LLC
Applicant: Dan Fritz
The proposed use of the property per the applicant is for the “retail, sales and install of auto parts and accessories to customize auto. Primary items sold are wheels, tires, lift/lower, steps, bumpers and more. We have over 10,000 parts and accessories available to customize the vehicle.”
The use as described would fall under the “Auto service station” under the Zoning Ordinance.
The definition for “Auto service station” is: “An establishment for the retail sales of petroleum products, automobile accessories, auto tune-up, muffler installation incidental to the primary use, tire installation or repair, oil change or other lubricate services, in which all services provided and all storage, supplies, parts, equipment, and accessories are indoors, with the exception of fuel dispensing operations.”
The site previously operated under a similar use. However, the use was abandoned for over six months before the application was submitted for the proposed use. Therefore, the proposed use must meet the requirements of the District in which it is located per Section 4-7 below:
“Sec. 4-7. - Nonconforming uses of buildings.
If lawful use involving individual buildings exists at the effective date of adoption or amendment of this ordinance, that would not be allowed in a particular district under the terms of this ordinance, the lawful use may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to the following provisions:
5. When a nonconforming use of a building is discontinued or abandoned for six consecutive months, the building shall not thereafter be used except in conformity with the regulations of the district in which it is located.”
The location falls within the Saginaw Boulevard overlay district (District). The District requires that Auto service station requires a Specific Use Permit in accordance with Section 5-4 of the Zoning Ordinance.
The applicant has provided a site plan and has provided a response to the thirteen conditions for approval listed in Section 5-4, G.
The site is generally consistent with the provisions of the overlay district with the exception of two pole signs. Existing pole signs are protected under the Texas Local Government Code. Building facades and structure are not planned to be changed so the applicable provisions would not be enforced unless the building size is increased by 20% or more. Landscaping, lighting and screening will be be addressed as part of the Certificate or Occupancy requirements.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the request at its October 13, 2020 meeting. Discussion took place regarding the opportunity for the applicant to seek a building improvement grant to use for the removal of the two pole signs on the property.
The Commission approved the Special Use Permit unanimously with a recommendation that the City Council support the building approval grant if sought by the applicant.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
NA
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allow the operation of a tire sales and auto repair garage on property located 836 S Saginaw Blvd in Saginaw with support of an application by the applicant of a building improvement grant for the removal of the two pole signs on the property.