Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Planning commission approves Grease Monkeys service center near Bullard and Cactus
Loading...
Summary
The Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a 2,442 sq ft Grease Monkeys automotive service center at Bullard Avenue and Cactus Road (Case FS25-0825), after staff recommended approval and a resident raised noise concerns; the vote was 6–0.
The Surprise Planning and Zoning Commission on April 2 approved a conditional use permit and site plan for a 2,442-square-foot Grease Monkeys automotive service center near the southwest corner of Bullard Avenue and Cactus Road.
Staff presenter Chris told the commission the proposal meets Title 17 use standards and recommends approval of Case FS25-0825 subject to stipulations A through E. "If the Commission approves the CUP with site plan, staff recommends the Commission approve the subject CUP with site plan case FS25-0825, subject to stipulations A through E," Chris said.
The project would include three service bays, 11 parking spaces (six are required), and pedestrian connectivity through the existing shopping center. Chris said landscaping will use low-water trees, shrubs and groundcover that comply with City of Surprise requirements and that a pedestrian crossing sign will be installed at the crosswalk.
During the public hearing, Commissioner Perry asked about operations and timing. Applicant Daniel Hutton identified himself for the record and said the expected opening window is the fourth quarter of 2026 or possibly 2027 depending on materials and labor availability. "We were hoping to open by 2026 — either Q4 2026 or possibly 2027, depending on labor availability [and] materials," Hutton said. He estimated the site would typically operate around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and employ roughly three to four staff members in addition to owner oversight.
Resident Kusha Hall raised questions about noise and screening, asking whether a noise study had been done and whether bay doors would remain closed during noisy operations. "Have we done a noise study? Do we know are you gonna have those back, I guess the south side bay doors closed, while using pneumatic drills or whatever else you're gonna be using, or are they gonna be open?" Hall asked. Hutton said bay doors are commonly left open but can be closed, the bays are oriented north–south away from the closest residences, and the proposal includes foliage and a roughly 4-foot retaining wall along the eastern perimeter to provide screening. He added the business model focuses on fluids and filters rather than frequent tire work requiring pneumatic tools.
After questions, Commissioner Perry moved to approve the CUP and site plan for Grease Monkeys (Case FS25-0825) subject to stipulations A–E; the motion passed with six votes in favor.
Votes at a glance - Approve minutes (02/19/2026): motion passed (recorded as "Motion passes with 4 votes in favor"). - Approve Conditional Use Permit and site plan, Grease Monkeys (Case FS25-0825): motion passed, 6–0; outcome: approved, subject to stipulations A–E.
The commission offered a final opportunity for non-agenda public comment but none was offered, then adjourned the meeting.
