Palestine planning commission backs impound-vehicle storage permit for 1920 Crockett Road; council review set for Feb. 24

The Palestine Planning and Zoning Commission voted Feb. 6 to recommend approval of a specific-use permit for an impound-vehicle storage facility at 1920 Crockett Road, sending the application to City Council for final consideration on Feb. 24.

The request was presented by applicant Kayla Doolittle, who identified herself as the owner of the towing business. Doolittle said the proposal would include “building a 40 by 100 shop at the very front” and an all‑metal, nontransparent fence that would screen vehicles from public view. She told the commission the business is part of the police rotation and that “we store the vehicles there for a maximum of 55 days.”

Staff member Susan summarized notice and zoning details: the parcel is in a retail-commercial zoning district and must obtain a specific-use permit for the proposed impound/storage use. She said the city mailed 16 notices within a 200‑foot radius, receiving three in favor, two in opposition and the remainder with no response. Susan also read zoning-code requirements that apply to impound facilities, including limits on temporary vehicle storage, paved all‑weather surfaces and prohibitions on on‑site salvage, dismantling or repair.

Realtor Jody Davis spoke in support, calling the applicants “a young couple with a great entrepreneurial business mindset” and saying the proposed site would be “very hidden” behind existing commercial uses and storage facilities. Several commissioners voiced support during discussion, noting the site’s limited road frontage and surrounding commercial character.

Commissioners and staff discussed screening and regulatory oversight. Doolittle said her company already follows state licensing rules and that “TDLR regulates us on how tall our fence has to be, our lighting. Our grass can't be like over 2 inches tall.” Susan told the commission she had reviewed the fence photos Doolittle provided and that the proposed solid metal fence met the city’s shielding requirement for this use.

A motion to approve the specific-use permit passed by voice vote with all members present signaling “aye.” The commission recorded the recommendation as approved and noted the next step is a City Council public hearing and decision scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24.

The commission’s approval is a recommendation; the City Council will make the final decision and could add conditions or return the matter to the planning commission for further review.