Council reviews SUP application for six-bay auto repair at 10596 N. Owasso Expressway

Alexa Beamer, planning staff, presented an application (SUP25-01) for a specific use permit to allow automotive repair and maintenance at 10596 North Owasso Expressway in a Commercial Shopping (CS) zoning district within the US-169 overlay.

Beamer said the parcel is approximately 0.06 acres, was platted as Lot 1, Block 1 of Caffeine Corner Addition, and was annexed in February under Ordinance 633. She told council the applicant proposes a six-bay structure composed mostly of brick veneer and EIFS and has indicated there will be no outdoor storage of cars or merchandise. "Staff has determined that a land use such as an auto repair facility may be appropriate so long as the correct controls are utilized with the SUP process," Beamer said. She added the site plan includes additional controls for landscaping, lighting and screening to reduce impacts on adjacent properties.

Beamer said the applicant plans to exceed Chapter 19 landscaping requirements by adding three large trees along the western property line, will use wall-pack lighting that must meet Chapter 20 standards, and said the applicant is aware of and expects to comply with Owasso's noise ordinance. Utilities for the site were identified as Washington County Rural Water District No. 3 for water and the City of Owasso for sewer.

Council members asked about noise history at other auto shops, types of repair that may occur and enforcement if the business stores vehicles outdoors. Beamer explained the city classifies "automotive repair and maintenance" as a single land-use category that can include tire shops, transmission repair, body shops and similar sub-uses; she said the applicant indicated most work would occur during daytime hours and would not involve unusually large or continuous heavy machinery. On enforcement, Beamer noted chapter 11 screening requirements and standard code-enforcement processes would apply if outdoor storage began.

Members also discussed site access and visibility. The parcel as platted has a single access point on the south end; staff said the conceptual site plan must be adjusted at the site-plan stage to preserve site triangles and limit vegetation to three feet within those triangles to maintain visibility. Council asked why one bay is taller; Beamer said the applicant had not specified but the larger bay likely accommodates a taller lift for larger vehicles.

Beamer reported the Planning Commission heard the item the previous evening and voted 5-0 to recommend approval. No formal council action was recorded in the transcript during this meeting.

Taper: The council discussion closed with staff noting additional site-plan review and standard zoning enforcement procedures would follow if the SUP is approved and the project advances to detailed design and permitting.