The Janesville Plan Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit on Jan. 6, 2025 for a proposed multi-tenant retail center with drive-through facilities at 1247 Milton Avenue and authorized reducing required off-street parking from 32 stalls to 28.

Trey Meyer, planner, said the 63,150-square-foot building would be constructed between Milton Avenue and Woodman Road and include a single drive-through lane that would serve one tenant space. "The property is zoned B-3, general commercial district, and a conditional use permit is required for this project due to the drive through facilities that are being proposed," Meyer said. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions in the Planning Division memorandum, and asked the commission to require that final building construction follow updated architectural renderings submitted at the meeting.

Traffic consultant Dan Bieberich of Traffic Analysis and Design (T.A.D.) explained the site access and circulation analysis. The plan includes three driveways — one full-access driveway on Woodman Road and two curb-cut driveways on Milton Avenue (the northern Milton driveway would allow left and right in and right out; the southern Milton driveway would be right-out only). About 11 vehicles can fit in the drive-through lane before it would encroach into parking areas. Bieberich said a traffic impact analysis recommended limiting full access at the north Milton driveway because "there just is insufficient amount of gaps in traffic" during morning peak hours for safe left-turn egress.

Commissioner Williams moved to authorize reducing parking from 32 stalls to 28. He then moved to find the proposal complies with the standards for conditional use approval under the Janesville zoning ordinance and to approve the conditional use permit subject to the conditions listed in the Planning Division memorandum dated Jan. 6, 2025; the motion also required that building construction follow updated architectural renderings reviewed at the meeting. Commissioner Jackson seconded; a roll-call vote was unanimous in favor. Commissioners voting yes included Bowerman, Madair, Markleine, Bosco, Jackson and Williams; one commissioner was absent. The chair noted the project "stays within the purview of the plan commission" and therefore does not require City Council approval.

Project representatives at the meeting included Richard Gruber, who identified himself as working with the applicant team, and Dan Bieberich for the traffic analysis. Staff said the Traffic Impact Analysis found the studied intersections would continue to operate safely if recommended changes are implemented, and the city’s fire department reviewed the site plan and raised no concerns regarding emergency access.