Planning board approves Walmart expansion to add online pickup and EV chargers at 6294 Forest Hill Blvd.
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Summary
The Greenacres Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval of a major site-plan amendment allowing Walmart to expand by 3,370 sq ft for expanded online-pickup operations, increase reserved pickup stalls from 12 to 33 and add eight electric-vehicle charging spaces; staff also noted an administrative parking variance (BA2403) that will be deemed approved with the site plan.
Chair Fitzgerald and the Greenacres Planning and Zoning Board on Aug. 14 approved a major site and development plan amendment (SP-8806 AA) and a master sign plan (MSP-25-01) for the Walmart Supercenter at 6294 Forest Hill Boulevard.
The board’s vote followed a presentation by Wesley Hevia of Ellison Law on behalf of Walmart and technical commentary from Bowman Consulting. Hevia said the late-1980s store will receive a 3,370-square-foot back-of-house expansion devoted to online-pickup operations and that the company proposes to increase dedicated online-pickup spaces from 12 to 33. He also said neighbors had provided letters of support. Bill Pfeffer of Bowman addressed engineering and timing questions.
Staff planner Millie Rivera told the board the proposal includes eight electric-vehicle charging spaces and an associated master sign package for wayfinding and pedestrian improvements. Rivera said an administrative variance (BA2403) was processed to allow a reduction of up to 10% in required parking; the project results in 59 parking spaces where the code requires 62, a 9% reduction that staff determined is within the administrative allowance. Rivera recommended approval with conditions, concluding the amendment is consistent with the city’s zoning code (citing code section 16-199) and applicable standards.
Board members asked whether expanded online pickup would operate around the clock; applicants deferred to operations staff and noted the store is entitled to be open 24/7 but currently closes at about 11 p.m. The applicant’s engineer said the construction schedule targets completion in 2026, beginning once permits are issued. Board members also asked about interior renovation phasing and whether non-patron overnight parking (storage) is allowed; staff said the city code does not permit storage of non-patron vehicles overnight.
Board member Edmonson moved to approve SP-8806 AA and MSP-25-01; the motion was seconded by Board member Joan and passed by voice vote. Staff confirmed the administrative variance BA2403 will be deemed approved upon approval of the major site and development plan amendment.
The next procedural step is permit issuance and implementation of the approved site plan conditions; applicants said they will coordinate with staff on final engineering and timing.