Planning commission approves site plan for Velocity Auto vehicle storage lot with revised lighting condition

Draper City planning staff presented and the Planning Commission approved a site plan Feb. 12 that will allow Velocity Auto (VAS Investments LLC) to use a 1.28-acre lot at 12276 South Galena Park Boulevard as vehicle inventory storage.

Nick Whitaker, the city’s planning staff contact, described the vacant lot and the applicant’s proposal to provide parking and vehicle display/inventory space connected to the adjacent Velocity Auto Sales operation. Whitaker said the land-use designation is neighborhood commercial (zoning: CC) and that the proposal included a landscaping plan and a photometric lighting plan. Staff recommended approval subject to engineering, public works, building and fire division requirements and to specific conditions including an updated photometric plan.

Whitaker noted the submitted photometric plan exceeded the maximum illumination ratio and recommended the applicant provide an updated plan before installation. Commissioners discussed the appropriate ratio; staff clarified that the after-hours maximum should be 2.5-to-1 (not 5-to-1). Commissioner Kendra moved to approve the site plan for Velocity Auto with a single modification to the staff report: the maximum illumination ratio should be 5-to-1 during business hours and 2.5-to-1 after hours.

Applicant Andy Whitelock (spelled by the applicant as "Whitelock") said the purchase of the property nearly two years ago is intended to clean up a long-standing eyesore and provide street presence for the existing business. “We feel putting our inventory up front will just kinda give our street presence and, beautify that corner,” he said.

The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Staff will require the applicant to submit an updated photometric plan and after-hours lighting plan showing compliance with the revised ratios; other conditions require that the site be constructed and landscaped in compliance with the approved plans and that the number of vehicles stored not exceed the number of provided parking stalls.

Commissioners thanked staff for preparing materials and noted two other agenda items had been continued. The meeting adjourned after the remaining business was handled.

The approved site plan will proceed to the city permitting process and must satisfy all departmental requirements before construction or use begins.