The Clawson Zoning Board of Appeals on July 17 approved a temporary-use permit allowing Claussen Auto Sales to store vehicles on a vacant lot at 71 West 14 Mile Road from Aug. 7 through Aug. 13, 2025, timed with the city’s Main Street car show.

The permit was approved with conditions limiting the maximum number of vehicles to 35, prohibiting access from West 14 Mile Road, requiring adherence to the submitted plot plan and application materials, and requiring a written agreement showing the property owner’s consent before the temporary use takes place.

Joe Tangieri, the city’s planning consultant with Giffords Webster, said the site consists of three parcels totaling about 16,900 square feet and that the applicant indicated the storage would be for one week to coincide with the car show. "The applicant did represent to Nick that they intend to store 30 vehicles on the site," Tangieri told the board, and he noted two rows of 15 vehicles would fit based on the city’s parking dimensions. Tangieri also said there are no proposed temporary structures and that the site is accessible from a municipal lot southeast of the parcels rather than directly from West 14 Mile Road.

Bob Boyd, who identified himself as representing Claussen Auto Sales, told the board the vehicles "are not for sale" and that his staff would move and manage the inventory. Boyd said the dealership’s inventory fluctuates and estimated between 25 and 35 cars; the board set the cap at 35 as a condition.

Board members and staff also discussed property-ownership documentation after public records showed the parcels are titled to Hikma Mahmood while the applicant listed Rafael Mahmood. Tangieri said he had spoken with the owner and that Rafael manages most development activities for the family; the board added a condition requiring a written agreement or letter of agency from the owner to confirm consent.

Nick (staff) told the applicant the board was one member short that night and explained the vote would require a majority of the four members present; the applicant declined to table. The roll-call vote recorded four affirmative votes: O'Rourke, Cindy Smith, Diane Smith and Carpenter. The motion carried.

The board cited the temporary-use standards in City of Clawson zoning ordinance Chapter 34, Article 10, Section 7.19 when framing conditions that protect health, safety and welfare. Tangieri said the fire marshal would review the site prior to the event to confirm there are no safety issues related to vehicles parked on the vacant lot.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed under the conditions set by the board; the city will require the written owner authorization before the event and will perform the usual departmental reviews, including fire and police as needed.