Waukegan commission recommends approval for motor-vehicle sales at 3030 Washington Street

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of a conditional use permit for motor vehicle sales at 3030 Washington Street, the commission decided during its regular meeting. The motion to adopt the staff findings and recommend approval with the conditions listed in the staff report passed in a roll-call vote with all members voting yes.

The permit application, presented by city planning staff, describes long-standing motor-vehicle uses on the site and lists 15 staff conditions intended to address repeated problems at other auto sales lots. The staff presentation noted the site was built in 1975, has been used for vehicle sales and repair for many years, and currently lacks required landscaping and interior parking-island spacing. The report requires compliance with landscaping and parking standards within 24 months.

Applicant Sergey Makhnotka told the commission he intends to operate a car sales and service business at the property and said, "I will meet all these requirements." When commissioners asked about fleet size he said, "I think about 100." Staff and commissioners clarified that each vehicle must have a designated parking space and that inoperable or visibly damaged vehicles will not be allowed on the lot under the conditions.

City staff and the fire department flagged building-code issues that must be resolved before a business license is issued. Staff noted portions of the building previously separated by a wall are now open, which affects fire-suppression requirements; the staff report states that buildings over 5,000 square feet must be sprinklered. Staff also pointed to city code section 11-36 covering disposal and storage of certain wastes and said the fire department inspects for safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

The motion that passed recommended the commission adopt the findings of fact and recommend approval of the conditional use permit with the listed conditions. The commission recorded its votes by name during roll call: Grimes — yes; Haug — yes; Young — yes; Haines — yes; Bill — yes; Anderson — yes. The commission Chair noted the item will proceed to the City Council on March 3 for final action.

Commissioners and staff repeatedly emphasized that the conditional use approval is subject to meeting all city codes and the listed conditions, and that the approval does not authorize operation until required inspections and permits are complete. If Council denies the permit, the property would remain vacant until a permitted use is identified.