Take 5 drive‑through at US‑98 in coastal high‑hazard area continued so applicant can supply containment and operational details

The Planning and Development Commission voted unanimously on Feb. 19 to continue consideration of a proposed Take 5 drive‑through oil‑change facility on U.S. 98 to a future advertised hearing so the applicant can supply additional technical details.

Edward McDonald of Thomas Engineering Group, representing the applicant and project engineer, described a compact 1,316‑square‑foot drive‑through building and requested deviations related to lot width, sign separation and the absence of a bypass lane due to site constraints. The site is adjacent to wetlands and lies near an AE flood‑zone line; the applicant proposed using a modified stormwater pond connected to a permitted Dollar Tree pond.

Commissioners asked detailed technical questions about vehicle lifts/pits, groundwater levels, pit waterproofing, oil/used‑fluid containment and removal schedules, finished‑floor elevation relative to base flood elevation, and contingency planning for storms and evacuation. Commissioner questions referenced past incidents where oil operations were compromised during hurricanes and cited the need for operational safeguards; commissioners asked for documentation of oil collection/containment systems and confirmation that hazardous fluids and holding tanks would be protected at site elevations.

The board agreed to continue the item so the applicant can return with Take 5 operations representatives and engineering detail on containment systems, pump‑out procedures and flood/storm safeguards. The motion to continue carried 7–0. Staff and the applicant indicated they will provide updated engineering and operations information before the resumed hearing.