Olathe planning commission approves special use permit for Avis car rental at East Bruce Street

The Olathe Planning Commission on April 14 voted 9-0 to approve a special use permit allowing Avis Car Rental to operate at 1529 East Bruce Street, occupying roughly 3,500 square feet of an existing 6,250-square-foot building.

The permit, SU25-001, was approved for a five-year period consistent with other similar special use permits in Olathe. Planning staff told commissioners that the site is zoned M-1 (light industrial), which allows motor vehicle rentals with an approved special use permit, and that the proposed use is compatible with the property’s designation as a commercial corridor on the future land use map.

Andrea Morgan, Planner II for the City of Olathe, said the building is currently vacant and has historically been used for flex office space. Morgan told the commission that Avis is relocating from a location on East Santa Fe Street because of planned interchange improvements at Interstate 35 and Santa Fe. Morgan said the applicant intends to occupy the north tenant space, that no exterior changes are proposed, and that the applicant has met public-notice requirements.

Morgan and staff explained parking arrangements: seven existing striped stalls in the lot are currently reserved for the other tenant spaces and will continue to be used by those tenants. Based on the city’s flex-space parking standard of one space per 800 square feet, staff calculated the other tenant spaces will collectively need at least four additional striped parking spaces to meet code; the property owner has agreed to stripe additional stalls. Staff included additional stipulations about parking locations after receiving one written comment about parking along East Bruce Street. The commission record notes that no neighborhood meeting was required, though property owners within 500 feet received notice.

Commissioner Creighton moved approval of SU25-001 subject to all staff stipulations; Commissioner Chapman seconded. The roll call vote recorded the motion as passing 9 to 0.

The item will proceed to the City Council for consideration on May 6 as part of the council’s review of planning commission recommendations.

Less critical details: staff recommended a five-year approval period and the applicant agreed to the stipulations listed in the staff report. No members of the public signed up to speak during the public hearing for this item.