Planning commissioners recommend permit for Charlie's Car Wash to add outdoor vacuum stations

The Lee's Summit Planning Commission voted June 12 to recommend approval of a special use permit that would allow Charlie's Car Wash at 950 NW Chipman Road to add outdoor customer vacuum stations.

Don Boos, director of real estate for Charlie's Car Wash and Blue Beacon Inc., told the commission the company is seeking to add 16 interior vacuum bays (nine along the north property line and seven adjacent to the building) and a small masonry equipment building to house a central vacuum system. "We're trying to react to our customers' needs and demands," Boos said, explaining that customer expectations have shifted toward having vacuum access at car washes. He also told commissioners the vacuums will be free to customers: "They're free."

Hector So to Jr, senior planner for the city, said the existing full-service facility has operated for about 10 years and that the proposal is limited to outdoor equipment. "The proposed vacuums kick it over to requiring a Special Use Permit," he said, explaining the city's ordinance requires review…