Planning Commission approves rezoning and special-use permit for Nolan Market convenience store

The Independence Planning Commission voted 5-0 to rezone a parcel at 13893 East 30 Fifth Street Court South from I-1 industrial to C-2 general commercial and to approve a special-use permit to allow operation of a convenience store in the existing building, the commission decided at its meeting.

Staff told the commission the site is a 12,448-square-foot parcel in the Harvest Village subdivision, with an existing 2,444-square-foot building and asphalt covering most of the lot. The senior planner recommended approval subject to conditions including closure of the north driveway entrance, conformance with site plans on file, building permit submittal, compliance with section 14 4 26 and chapter 5 of the city code, and landscaping and screening improvements.

The applicant intends to reuse the existing building for a retail convenience store. Senior planner said the proposed plan provides 10 parking spaces meeting the retail parking ratio and includes a landscape package of 10 canopy and ornamental trees, 24 shrubs, drought-tolerant turf and a masonry trash enclosure. The staff presentation noted the site lies west of the Union Pacific Railroad near Nolan Road and is intended to improve walkability and neighborhood retail access consistent with Imagine Independence 2040 policies.

Jacob Hudson, agent for the applicant, said, "We feel comfortable with the plan we put forward, and we agree to all their conditions." Chairman Wiley commented on the landscaping, saying the plantings "are well above what is required" and thanked the owner for the proposed improvements to a dilapidated corner.

During discussion commissioners asked for clarification on the driveway changes; staff confirmed the existing entrance off East 30 Fifth Street (the north entrance) will be removed and the single remaining access will be from East 30 Fifth Court to the west. After public hearing — with no public speakers for or against — the commission approved the special-use permit and the rezoning in separate 5-0 votes. Commissioners voting yes were Commissioner Ferguson, Commissioner O'Neil, Commissioner Torres, Commissioner Young and Chairman Wiley.

The approvals are subject to the conditions listed by staff, including making all modifications shown on the submitted site plan, obtaining required building permits and business license, and complying with the specified development standards. The commission closed the public hearing with no opposing testimony.