Planning Commission recommends approval for car wash drive-through at 1167 Laser Street

The Verona Planning Commission voted to recommend the Common Council approve a conditional use permit and a site plan for a 5,000-square-foot car wash with a drive-through at 1167 Laser Street in Liberty Business Park.

The commission opened a public hearing on the conditional use permit and, finding no public comment, closed the hearing and took action. Commissioner Wood moved to recommend council approval of the conditional use permit “to allow a drive through land use on Lot 28 in Liberty Business Park” with the condition that the permit become effective when the applicant acquires the property; Commissioner Powers seconded. The commission then approved the site plan, 5,000 square feet, with Commissioner Powers moving for approval and Commissioner Harrison seconding. Both motions passed by voice vote.

Staff planner Mr. Severson told the commission the property is zoned Suburban Commercial, which permits car washes and allows drive-throughs as a conditional use. He said the project’s submittals are identical to an earlier approval from December 2023 and that signage would be reviewed separately by staff. Severson also said applicable zoning regulations and staff review have not changed since the prior approval, and staff had no outstanding concerns.

Commission discussion was brief. Commissioner Wood asked whether this action was simply “resetting the clock”; Severson confirmed the current proceeding reauthorizes prior approvals that had lapsed because of ordinance time limits on when construction must start and be completed. Commissioners did not request additional conditions beyond tying effectiveness to property acquisition.

The commission’s recommendations now advance to the Common Council for final action; staff said the applicant intends to begin construction this summer.