Commission recommends approval for Ship Shop truck/trailer rental at 712 North Main Street

The Keller Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a specific‑use permit for the Ship Shop to operate a packing and shipping retail business with truck and trailer rental at 712 North Main Street.

Planning staff said the property is zoned Light Industrial and that truck rental and outside storage for vehicles require SUP approval in that district. The applicant, Dave Sanders, presented photographs of a comparable operation in Trophy Club and said his plan for the Keller location would keep rental vehicles parked neatly and predominantly toward the rear of the existing parking area so the trucks would be set back from North Main and partially screened by existing grade and landscaping.

Staff explained the proposal covers two SUP components for the Light Industrial zoning: truck/trailer rental (leasing) and outside storage of rental vehicles. The building is approximately 2,600 square feet and staff cited a parking demand of one space per 500 square feet (six required spaces plus one accessible); applicant’s materials show a tenant parking area with 43 spaces. Hours of operation provided by the applicant are Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–4 p.m., and staff anticipated two part‑time employees in addition to the owner.

The applicant said he would maintain the fleet to U‑Haul standards, drive vehicles into position rather than allow untrained customers to maneuver trailers on the lot, and carry insurance including a million‑dollar liability policy. He told commissioners he typically starts with a modest fleet and adjusts every three months with his field manager based on demand; he estimated an opening inventory of about 10 rental units (mix of vans, box trucks and trailers) with potential adjustments over time.

No members of the public registered written opposition and staff received no written comments as of the hearing. Commissioners asked about visibility from North Main and proximity to another nearby U‑Haul dealer; the applicant and staff said the proposed location and limited signage would not create a visual or safety problem and that the nearby dealer operates under different constraints and does not offer the same trailer mix.

Commissioner Farner moved to recommend approval; Vice Chair Baker seconded. The motion passed unanimously and the matter will go before City Council on Aug. 5 for final action.