Mansfield panel approves Sun Auto permit to allow tire sales and overnight storage after parking amendment

The Mansfield Planning and Zoning Commission on June 16 approved a modified specific‑use permit allowing Sun Auto to offer tire sales and repair and to store vehicles overnight at 130 West Debbie Lane (SUP 25‑805), but restricted overnight parking to existing parking on the west and south sides of the site.

Staff planner Jordan told the commission the 2018 SUP that originally governed the site prohibited tire services and outdoor vehicle storage. The application seeks to amend those conditions so the business—recently acquired and rebranded by the applicant—may perform tire repair and sales and hold vehicles overnight in a designated, screened area. "This SUP is to amend those and to allow for tire repair, sale, and service, and allow vehicles awaiting repair to be stored overnight in a designated area," Jordan said.

Greg Armbruster, identified as the applicant's Chief Development Officer, said the location was acquired as part of a chain rebranding and that he was not aware the earlier permit barred tire services. "I was not aware, when we did the branding, that the tire sales and repair were not a permitted service," Armbruster said. He described the site as having about 14 bays and estimated roughly 25 cars as an average work‑in‑process, adding that the company would place as many vehicles as possible inside the building and use the screened rear area for any overflow: "We put every car we can inside the building ... and then there are additional vehicles. That's what we're seeking to park in this green shaded area."

Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant on enforcement and capacity. Planner Jordan noted the city can assess zoning fines per day when violations occur and explained fencing the rear screening area is constrained by an existing hammerhead fire lane. Several commissioners said the narrow screened area staff identified might not hold the applicant's expected overflow and could force vehicles into visible street‑front parking.

Vice chairman Axon proposed and moved an amendment to the approval to require the applicant to use existing parking spaces on the west and south portions of the property for overnight storage rather than the narrow side area initially shown. Commissioner Moses moved approval of the SUP; Commissioner Lambert seconded; the amendment was adopted and the amended motion carried 6–0 with one commissioner absent.

Jordan reminded the commission that the recommending body sends its recommendation to the city council as part of the city's review process. The commission closed the public hearing on the case after the vote.