Commission grants retroactive site-plan approval for Bessett Tire canopy after work without permit

The Mainland Planning Commission on Oct. 7 approved a site plan to regularize a 30-by-120-foot pole-barn canopy at 7535 Blythe Island Highway, a structure that the owner said was constructed without permits. The owner, Corey Bessett of Bessett Investments LLC, and agent Chad Neal sought retroactive approval and told the commission they are working with the building department to obtain required permits.

Christopher Carey, senior planner, presented the site plan and noted the structure is already in place. Chad Neal said the owner hired a contractor who had represented that permitting would be handled but that the permits were not secured; the owner is now seeking to complete the permitting process. Carey explained the site is zoned Highway Commercial and that covered commercial parking is allowed for vehicles and equipment storage but has limits on open storage of construction materials.

There was no public opposition at the hearing. Commissioners moved to approve the site plan; the vote was recorded as unanimous (6'0). The approval does not waive building-division or permitting requirements; the owner must complete those steps before final clearance.