The Pontiac Planning Commission on Oct. 1 approved a special-exception permit and preliminary site plan for an outdoor automobile sales use at 614 César E. Chávez Avenue, subject to staff conditions addressing fencing, parking and landscaping.

Planner Michael Betcher told commissioners the parcel is approximately 19,000 square feet and the outdoor vehicle display requirements were met on setbacks. Staff recommended approval of the special exception with the condition that the site-plan items in the staff report also be completed, including conforming materials for screening the single-family residence to the north.

The applicant indicated a prior auto-sales use existed on the site but had ceased for more than six months, which triggers the current special-exception requirement. Staff asked the commission to require masonry or comparable screening on the north property line rather than the vinyl fencing proposed; the city’s code also prohibits barbed wire and calls for durable surfacing and parking-striping standards.

Commissioner Jackson moved for approval of the special-exception permit; Commissioner Shepherd supported the motion. The roll-call vote showed a unanimous approval among commissioners present (Shepherd: yes; Duval: yes; Vice Chair Jackson: yes; Chair Sinclair: yes). The commission then considered the preliminary site plan: staff sought confirmation that maneuvering aisles, landscaping covering at least 5% of the site area, and the required trash/dumpster provisions would meet city standards. The applicant told the commission he would replace the vinyl fence with the required masonry wall and comply with striping and landscaping requirements.

Commissioner Jackson moved and Commissioner McGinnis seconded preliminary site-plan approval with the condition that the application address all zoning deficiencies identified in the staff report; the motion carried. Staff will verify compliance with the listed items before final sign-off.