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Commission backs vehicle‑customization PD on South Cooper but limits activity to interior work and requires landscaping and sign removal
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved PD25‑19 at 2504 South Cooper Street to allow vinyl wrapping and other interior vehicle customization and aesthetic services, with conditions including removal of pole signs and added landscape amenities; commissioners flagged the UDC definitions governing paintless dent repair for future review.
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7–0 on Dec. 17 to approve PD25‑19, a plan‑development request for 2504 South Cooper Street that allows community commercial uses plus an auto‑repair garage major use limited to interior aesthetic and customization services.
Planner Alex Van Amberg told commissioners the site is about 1.177 acres and currently contains two vacant suites in an existing commercial building. Staff said the PD would permit vinyl wrapping, upholstery, paintless dent repair (PDR), custom wheels, window tinting and audio installation but would prohibit painting in paint booths, collision repair, car washing, outdoor service bays and outdoor storage; all work must be conducted within an enclosed building. Staff reported the applicant will provide 37 parking spaces and must remove two nonconforming pole signs before a certificate of occupancy will be issued.
Applicant David Dowling and operator Hajar Sandia described vinyl wrapping and related services as largely cosmetic and climate‑controlled. “Cars come in, we freshen them up, give them a new look…we don't do anything heavy mechanical,” Hajar said. Owner Tom Mast and others emphasized that these modern services are different from traditional body shops and requested flexibility in the UDC classification.
Commissioners and staff agreed the work must be interior only and that landscaping and facade improvements should help meet Cooper Corridor goals. The commission approved the PD with conditions to add landscape amenities, require facade improvements, and remove the pole signs prior to occupancy.
What it means: the unanimous approval clears the way for reuse of an existing building for a vehicle‑customization and wrap business under strict limits that prohibit outdoor mechanical work or visible service bays. Commissioners asked staff to consider UDC amendments to better distinguish new cosmetic vehicle services from heavier auto‑repair categories.
