Commission recommends approval of indoor-only classic-car dealer at Venture Drive with condition to ban outdoor display

The Farmers Branch Planning and Zoning Commission voted Jan. 27 to recommend approval of a specific use permit for Skyway Classics, a classic- and antique-car dealership that will occupy roughly 20,000 square feet inside a 4.08-acre light-industrial property at 14805 Venture Drive.

Commissioners approved the recommendation with a modification that explicitly prohibits outdoor display, storage or sales of vehicles at the site. "Because they're not proposing that and it's already prohibited in the ordinance, the SUP ordinance doesn't need to explicitly state it, but we could add that just for clarification," Sarah Bergman, deputy director of planning, said in study-session discussion; a commissioner proposed adding the language and the commission adopted that amendment when it voted to recommend approval.

Why it matters: The request is for indoor showroom-only sales of classic, antique and exotic vehicles under case 24-SU-07. The property lies in a light industrial zone where outside storage and outdoor sales are prohibited; the proposed amendment makes that prohibition explicit in the SUP language so conditions are clear for future enforcement.

Details from the meeting: Brett Mangum, lead planner, told the commission the request covers a roughly 20,000-square-foot portion of the existing warehouse and that Skyway Classics plans to use the facility as an indoor showroom with space for approximately 31 vehicles when fully stocked. "This is for auto sales for a classic car dealership, which is named Skyway Classics," Mangum said during his presentation. Applicants Ryan and Max Tanski said the business will operate by appointment, will not perform repairs or reconditioning at the site, and initially expects about three employees at the location.

Commission discussion focused on preventing outside display, possible parking conflicts if vehicles were placed outdoors, and how the light industrial zoning already prohibits outside storage of vehicles. A commissioner asked whether any exterior signage or changes were planned; the applicant said none were proposed. The commission moved to recommend approval "with modifications specifying the no outside sales or storage" and voted to send the SUP to City Council for final action on Feb. 18.

Next steps: The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council on Feb. 18. The SUP file is referenced as case 24-SU-07; staff will incorporate the clarified language about indoor-only storage and display before council consideration.