Planning commission approves automotive storage museum at 158 East 4500 South with 250-person event cap

Vice Chair Pete Horisto called the Murray City Planning Commission meeting to order July 17, and commissioners unanimously approved a conditional use permit for an automotive storage facility and museum at 158 East 4500 South. The permit was approved with conditions in the staff report and an additional cap of 250 people for events on site.

Ruth Rock of Murray City planning staff told commissioners the proposed use — vehicle storage with gallery-style display — is allowed in the site's CD zone, that the property meets required parking and landscaping standards, and that staff had received no public comments on the application. Rock said the use “requires 30 parking stalls and the site meets that requirement.”

Applicant E. R. Quaran described the business as a museum and storage facility for primarily rare, exotic and classic cars and said the company has operated similar locations in Provo, Sandy and Trolley Square. Quaran said the business stores about 78 cars inside the building and hosts occasional events, describing typical club gatherings of about 20 cars and 40–50 people and saying his largest hosted corporate event at another location drew roughly 250 people. Quaran said, “We'd like to be open Friday, Saturday, maybe Sunday” for museum hours and that most storage would occur inside the building.

Commissioners asked about parking, fire-department review and the effect of events on surrounding uses. Planning staff recommended limiting event attendance to 250 while the city evaluates how the use functions at that cap; staff also said fire-department requirements such as an added egress door would be part of the building-permit process. The commission added the 250-person cap as a condition and passed the motion 5–0. The motion to approve the permit was made by Commissioner Kling and seconded by Commissioner Hildreth; the recorded vote was unanimous.

The applicant also disclosed intent to offer consignment auto sales for vehicles stored at the site. Planning staff said auto sales were not included in the noticed application, and state notice requirements mean the sales use must be added via an amended conditional use permit with public notice. Staff committed to bringing an amended application for consignment/sales back to the commission at the next meeting (August 7) if the applicant submits the paperwork.

Nearby residents raised safety concerns about youth activities at a nearby church and asked staff and the applicant to limit nonemergency use of the 4600 South access. Resident Leanne Parker Reed said she was “a little concerned about the people and cars” because youth activities occur nearby. The applicant replied that events would typically occur during evening hours and that most visitors are club members who store cars with the business. Eugene Kim, who identified himself as the property owner at 158 East 4500 South, and the applicant said one outdoor yard area is currently used by another tenant for storage and would not be available for public parking.

The commission's approval: the conditional use permit allows the museum/storage use at 158 East 4500 South, subject to the staff report conditions, the added 250-person event cap, compliance with building and fire-department requirements (including the proposed additional egress), and the requirement that any auto-sales/consignment activity return as an amended, noticed CUP. The applicant may pursue required building permits and a business license consistent with the approved use and conditions.