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Plan commission approves Wendland Nurserygreenhouse and updates conditional-use permit
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Summary
The Germantown Plan Commission approved an amendment to a 1989 conditional-use permit allowing horticultural and landscape services and authorized a 2,560-square-foot greenhouse at Wendland Nursery, with a new condition requiring CUP review if ownership changes (except family transfers).
The Germantown Plan Commission on April 28 approved an amendment to conditional-use permit No. 06-1989 for Wendland Nursery to explicitly allow horticultural and landscape services and to permit a 2,560-square-foot greenhouse on the property at W172 N10415 Division Road.
The action updates a permit originally issued in 1989 so the paperwork matches current operations, Planning staff said. The commission also approved a related site plan for the glass-and-concrete greenhouse subject to conditions listed in the staff report.
The amendment was approved with one additional requirement added by the commission: if ownership of the business changes, the new owner must seek reissuance or renewal of the CUP unless the property transfers to an immediate family member. "We can include that as a condition of approval," Planning staff said during the meeting; commissioners voted to add the requirement before voting for the main motion.
Why it matters: Wendland Nursery is an established local business that neighbors and customers told the commission they support. Commissioners said updating the permit reflects the business's current operations and clarifies expectations for future owners.
Details: Applicant Josh Tarantino presented the proposal and described the greenhouse as a 2,560-square-foot structure used for storage, indoor classes and plant staging. Staff noted no changes were proposed to existing parking, drives, signage or landscaping and recommended approval of both the CUP amendment and the site plan, each with conditions. Staff added conditions tied to Division Road improvements and encroachment removal within an unimproved right of way when those road projects occur.
Public input and commission remarks: Multiple neighbors and customers spoke in favor during the public hearing, citing Wendland's long presence in Germantown and local contributions. Several commissioners asked operational questions about truck access and driveway configuration; the applicant and village engineer told the commission discussions about driveway reconfiguration are ongoing and would be resolved when road plans are finalized. "The two driveways are critical to the operation," the applicant said, citing separation of truck and car traffic.
Outcome and next steps: The commission voted to approve the CUP amendment and the site plan with the staff conditions and the added ownership-renewal condition. The approvals were carried by voice vote. The applicant will coordinate final technical items with village staff as noted in the conditions.
Ending: The Wendland Nursery approvals update a decades-old permit to match current operations while adding a condition to ensure the planning commission reviews future ownership changes. The greenhouse may proceed once required condition items and the site plan conditions are satisfied.
