Planning commission backs rezoning and site plan for Costco redevelopment, approves special use for fuel center

The Planning Commission on Nov. 19 recommended that city council approve a multiphase redevelopment of the Galleria Office Center into a Costco warehouse, including a conditional rezoning (PCZR25‑0004), a special‑use approval for a large fuel facility (PSLU25‑0009), and a favorable site‑plan recommendation (PSP25‑0008). Planning staff described a conditional rezoning that would convert the site to a flexible B‑3 (general business) district with an agreed list of excluded uses.

Costco’s real‑estate director, Steve Cross, said the plan includes a 166,000‑square‑foot warehouse, a fuel center with 20 pumps (5 wide × 4 deep) and approximately 893 proposed parking stalls sized at 10×20 feet to accommodate larger vehicles and carts. Cross said the project requires several waivers including parking‑stall dimensions and a request to exceed the usual 20% parking cap; he also asked for taller light poles (up to 36.5 feet) and a reduced loading‑dock count as operational waivers. Traffic engineer Scott Wilson presented a traffic study covering weekdays and Saturdays and noted two intersections (Telegraph and Northwestern) would remain challenged (peak‑hour LOS F) but concluded the parcel’s multiple access points and parking configuration provide adequate circulation overall.

Public commenters raised multiple issues. Resident Milton DeSoden asked about loading docks and fire‑station access and whether the site selection considered the Northland location. Atara, representing many local Jewish families, urged Costco and the commission to consider a kosher‑certified bakery at the new store; she said more than 500 community members signed a petition expressing interest. Julie Krause and others praised the redevelopment but noted traffic concerns.

Staff recommended and the commission approved favorable recommendations for rezoning, for the fuel station special use and for the site plan, subject to conditions: execution of the conditional rezoning agreement within six months, compliance with police department crime‑prevention recommendations, final site‑plan approvals and the required zoning waivers to be reviewed by the zoning board of appeals or council as appropriate. Commissioners discussed fuel‑station hours; Costco requested 24‑hour operation and staff recommended language that notes typical operating hours of 6 a.m.–10 p.m. but allows 24‑hour operation if the council accepts that condition.

The items will now move to city council for final action; several zoning waivers and the fuel‑station permit will need additional administrative approvals and recorded reciprocal easement agreements prior to construction.