The City Council approved first reading of an ordinance rezoning Toyota Murfreesboro’s overflow lot on Bill Smith Drive to Planned Commercial Development (PCD) to allow a 7,500-square-foot accessory auto-repair building.

Planning staff and representatives from SCC presented the project, which lies north of Bill Smith Drive and adjacent to Overall Creek. The site is a roughly 7.46-acre parcel currently used as outdoor vehicle storage by the dealership. Applicant representatives said the proposed repair facility would be accessory to and operated by Toyota Murfreesboro and would not be open to the public; access would be limited to Toyota employees transporting vehicles to and from the site.

Staff recommended approval, noting the amended future land use map classifies the parcel as general commercial and that the proposal complies with the Gateway Design Overlay District’s architectural standards (with limited exceptions requested for void space and drive-aisle green space because the site is not publicly accessible). Planning commission held a public hearing Sept. 3 and recommended approval. Council approved first reading by roll call.

Council asked staff and the applicant about buffering and delivery logistics; the applicant said existing vegetation along Overall Creek will remain to provide separation from residences to the north.