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Planning Commission Approves Special‑Use Permit for Used‑Car Sales at 459 Marshall Street
Summary
The Coldwater Planning Commission voted 6–1 to approve SUP25‑04, allowing motor vehicle sales at 459 Marshall Street. Staff noted the site falls four parking spaces short of ordinance minimums, no on‑site repairs are permitted, and the applicant must secure state licensing to operate.
Coldwater's Planning Commission approved a special‑use permit on a 6–1 roll call Tuesday to allow motor vehicle sales at 459 Marshall Street.
Planning staff introduced SUP25‑04 and described the 1.1‑acre property, which contains three existing structures and a display area outlined by staff. The planner told commissioners the site currently provides 18 marked parking spaces, including two ADA spaces, while the zoning ordinance requires 22. "I didn't see it necessary to require the additional spaces, at this time," planning staff said, noting the ordinance obligates the applicant to add parking in the future if the use expands.
Applicant James Sidoliska said he expects to start with five to seven vehicles and that the landlord indicated a potential cap of about 15–20. Sidoliska told the commission, "I'm going to try to put the arrangement with [a mechanic] to help me for a fix," but later clarified he intends to arrange repairs off site. Planning staff and the chair emphasized that on‑site automotive repair would require a separate state license and likely trigger a site‑plan review and additional ordinance standards, including provisions for hazardous‑materials storage.
The record lists the property owner as Herman Holdings LLC. Staff also noted an existing freestanding sign and storefront awning lighting but no comprehensive site lighting; replacements for existing signage would be subject to the city's sign rules. Planning staff said 41 notices were mailed and the application was posted on the city website and published in the newspaper before the hearing.
A commissioner moved to approve the special‑use request, and the commission conducted a roll‑call vote: Commissioners Budd, Cameron, DeGroot, Smoker and Beckwith and Mayor Kramer voted yes; Commissioner Stevens voted no. The motion passed 6–1.
After the vote, planning staff said they would provide a letter to the applicant so he could complete state licensing and other required steps to operate.
