Peoria commission approves Bell Road pawnshop, requires 12‑month compliance report

The City of Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 21 unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a pawnshop in a multi‑tenant suite at the Albertsons‑anchored shopping center on the northeast corner of Bell Road and 80th Avenue (CU25‑11), subject to standard conditions of approval and a requirement that the applicant submit a report within 12 months of beginning operations showing the business is in good standing with the city and the state.

Staff presented the proposal, saying the tenant space is about 1,550 square feet, will require only interior tenant improvements and no exterior alterations. Hours proposed are Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Staff planner Mr. Valencia told the commission that pawnshops in Peoria are allowed only by conditional use permit because the zoning code includes spacing criteria to avoid overconcentration; staff’s review found no other qualifying businesses within a 1,000‑foot radius and no opposition during the mailed notice and published notice period. Based on that analysis, staff recommended approval subject to the conditions in Exhibit 1.

Commissioners asked about signage, state regulation and whether title loans or other financial services would be part of the operation. Planning staff (Ms. Deaver) said signage would be handled through a separate building/tenant sign permit and reiterated that state regulation of pawnshops (including required reporting of merchandise to law enforcement databases) is enforced at the state/county level, not by the city. Staff said a conditional use permit can be revisited if the use becomes a nuisance or violates required conditions.

Applicant representatives described operational plans. Ed Galindo, representing the property owner and project team, said the owners operate similar stores and intend to focus on higher‑end merchandise; Derek (co‑owner/operator, Oro Express) said he operates multiple area stores (seven of which hold federal firearms licenses and undergo ATF inspections) and confirmed they would provide the requested 12‑month compliance report. Derek described title loans and pawn services as commonly paired in the industry and said reporting systems flag potentially stolen items for law enforcement review.

Commissioner John Gaynor moved to approve CU25‑11 subject to the conditions in Exhibit 1 and a requirement that, within 12 months of beginning operations, the applicant submit to the commission a report verifying the business is in good standing with the city and state; Commissioner Feider seconded. The motion passed unanimously (yes: 5; no: 0). Because conditional use permits in Peoria are decided by the commission, this action is final unless appealed.

The approved conditions require the operator to comply with the city’s development and operating standards; signage and any exterior changes must be processed through separate permits; and staff retained authority to pursue compliance and, if necessary, return the CUP to the commission for further action.

The applicant and staff said the city will monitor compliance and that enforcement typically begins with education and correction; staff said most compliance cases are resolved without returning to the commission.