Council approves Old Town auto‑repair CUP with setback condition to protect adjacent properties

Pearland — Council voted unanimously Nov. 17 to approve a conditional use permit that would allow Cruisin’ Cars to enclose an existing carport and expand an auto‑repair bay at 2121 Main Street in the Old Town General Business District, provided the expansion complies with the district’s side‑setback requirements.

Lisa Cruz, who with her husband Enrique owns Cruisin’ Cars, told the council the property has been an auto‑repair site since the 1970s and is in need of renovation. The owners said they intend to restore the building and provide a functional, code‑compliant repair bay with equipment such as a four‑post alignment lift.

Staff explained that while the existing carport structure encroaches toward the northern property line, there is sufficient space on the parcel for an expansion that could meet the OTGB 10‑foot side setback. PNZ recommended approval of the CUP without the staff condition, but staff’s recommendation required that any expansion meet the current setback standards to avoid a variance process. Council discussed construction and windstorm code implications and the possibility that an engineering review could show the existing framing must be replaced; in that case a compliant rebuild would place the enclosed bay at the required setback.

After council input and a brief discussion about process alternatives (Zoning Board of Adjustment variance route versus using the alternate carport location), council voted to approve Resolution R2025‑CUP2025‑0453 with the staff‑recommended condition that the proposed expansion meet OTGB setback requirements. The motion passed 7–0.

The owners said they will proceed with building‑permit work and engineering to ensure the enclosed bay meets structural, windstorm, electrical and other code requirements.