Commission approves 40-space vehicle-storage lot after drainage and screening review

The Bedford Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 14 voted to recommend City Council approve a specific-use permit (SUP25-5) to construct a 40-space vehicle parking lot on two vacant lots at 2721 and 2725 Renee Drive, with engineering conditions to address drainage.

City planner Enrique summarized the proposal: the 0.49-acre site would be developed with 40 parking spaces to provide off-street storage and screen vehicles associated with an adjacent automotive repair business that fronts Harwood Road. Access would be provided through an existing driveway at 2801 Renee Drive; the applicant proposes a 6-foot privacy fence, interior landscaping and a detention pond on the south portion of the site.

Enrique said engineering reviewed the plan and flagged an outfall concern because the proposed detention/discharge currently would drain to an unimproved section of Renee Drive; engineering review and a public-works permit will be required to resolve drainage before a building permit is issued.

Staff recommended that a masonry screen wall requirement be waived because the residential lot to the south is undeveloped and there is roughly a 30-foot separation (including the detention area) plus a 20-foot landscape buffer. The commission discussed long-term maintenance of fencing and drainage; staff said commercial property maintenance remains the owner's responsibility and code enforcement can require repairs if needed.

Jared Strobel of HC Engineering, speaking for the applicant, said the lot’s purpose is to move stored vehicles out of public view and provide secure storage behind a fence.

A motion to approve SUP25-5 as presented carried; the commission recorded one abstention and the remainder voted in favor. Commissioners and staff noted that any construction will require subsequent engineering permits and that access easements must be recorded before issuance of a civil permit.