Planning Commission approves conditional use for Sorensen Heating & Air Conditioning at West National Avenue

The New Berlin Planning Commission on April 7 unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Sorensen Heating and Air Conditioning to reoccupy an existing commercial building at 13198 West National Avenue.

Staff read the public notice for the application and explained that the request is being reviewed as a conditional use because the proposed operations include contracting, sales and services. During the public hearing, neighborhood resident Brian Sullivan asked what the building would be used for and what neighbors should expect. Applicant Thomas “Tom” Sorensen told the commission he started the business in 1994 and described the site as a secondary location to his main shop at 1615 Birch Road. He said about 10 people will be based at the location, most installers will take vans home overnight, and the company expects roughly two vehicles to be parked at the site during business hours. “We’re kind of in a weird spot right now…we’re growing,” Sorensen said.

Neighbors asked follow-up questions about overnight parking and whether the whole building would be used. Sorensen replied the company intends to utilize the whole unit for offices, training and warehousing and said he wants the business to be a welcome addition to the neighborhood, not a nuisance.

After closing the public hearing, a commissioner moved to approve the conditional use permit; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote.

The commission did not attach additional conditions in the public record during the meeting. The item had been noticed and published in March; staff noted mailed notices were sent to nearby properties.

The commission adjourned at 6:30 p.m.