Board approves variances for Walnut Street car-dealership expansion, adds tree condition

The Board of Zoning Appeals on July 24 approved variances that let AutoVest LLC expand a vehicle display area at 2130 South Walnut Street while modifying staff conditions on required trees and landscaping. The board voted 5-0. "They are requesting a variance from front parking setbacks ... variance from tall canopy trees ... variance from the amount of shrubs ..." said Eric Kralik, development services manager, during the staff report.

The petition asked for multiple variances so the dealership could remove several buildings and parking areas north of an existing Kia dealership and convert that space into additional vehicle display area. Under the UDO parking-lot landscaping rules staff identified, the proposed layout shows 323 parking spaces; by code that would require 969 shrubs and 81 tall canopy trees adjacent to parking. The applicant asked to…