Planning commission approves adding 'automobile repair' to South Ninth Corridor overlay as conditional use

The Salina Planning Commission voted May 6 to recommend adding automobile repair — including screened outdoor storage — to the list of conditional uses in the South Ninth Street Corridor Overlay District.

The change would let businesses that perform major vehicle repairs, including bodywork and transmission or frame repairs, apply for a conditional-use permit in the overlay; each application would still be reviewed by the Planning Commission on a site-by-site basis. Staff told commissioners the amendment is intended to provide more flexibility for commercial redevelopment along the South Ninth corridor while keeping review authority in place.

The overlay stretches roughly from a quarter-mile south of Schilling Avenue to about a quarter-mile south of Waterwell Road and covers properties on both sides of South Ninth Street. Staff said the corridor includes Lakeside Edition, Bridal Addition No. 2, a motel parcel, an existing Hilton Garden Inn and other outlots that have…