Denham Springs council approves special-use permit for collision center at former Home Depot site
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Summary
After a public hearing and brief questions about zoning and operations, the Denham Springs City Council voted to approve SUP-116-24, allowing a vehicle service/collision center (Calvert Collision) at 2255 Home Depot Drive with conditions limiting outdoor vehicle storage and requiring enclosed operations.
Denham Springs city leaders voted Dec. 23 to approve a special-use permit allowing a vehicle service and collision repair facility at the property near 2255 Home Depot Drive.
The council opened a public hearing on SUP-116-24, requested by Denham Home Depot Drive LLC. Julia Landon, who identified herself at the podium and gave a Nashville address, told the council the operator is a collision center described in the record as a high-end Calvert Collision franchise and that the buyer is purchasing—"We're purchasing"—the property rather than leasing it.
Council members and staff said the Planning & Zoning commission had approved the request unanimously. Council discussion focused on why a special-use permit was required rather than rezoning, with staff explaining the distinction between commercial (C-3) and industrial uses and noting that services such as welding and paint can trigger a special-use classification.
The applicant and staff said all repair and painting operations would be inside an air-conditioned facility, with a fenced area behind the building for minimal parking. A council member summarized operating limits that were described during the hearing, including a condition that outside vehicles not remain on the property longer than a short, defined period (council discussion referenced a seven-day limit for vehicles kept outside).
After questions and a motion to add the item to the agenda as Item 2.5, the council voted to approve the special-use permit. The motion passed on roll-call with the members voting in favor.
Next steps noted at the meeting: staff will follow up on a technical question raised by the council (Rick, planning staff) and the applicant said environmental work remains to be completed before beginning architectural design.
The council recorded no formal conditions beyond the operational limits discussed at the hearing; the Planning & Zoning packet and the permit (SUP-116-24) provide the official terms and will be referenced by staff for permit issuance.