Commission approves boutique car dealership with conditions after debate over driveway treatment

Royal Oak planners approved special land use and a site plan for IMDA Motors to operate an appointment‑only dealership and indoor storage facility for exotic and collector automobiles in an industrially zoned area.

Petitioner Daniel Ackerman described a low‑impact operation storing up to eight vehicles indoors, conducting sales mostly by appointment and contracting out mechanical work to a nearby repair shop. Ackerman said the business has dealer insurance and a servicing agreement that satisfies state licensing requirements, though the city’s zoning ordinance requires an on‑site repair facility for automobile dealerships; staff noted that would require a variance.

Commissioners focused on a front overhead door that requires tight vehicle maneuvers across the front sidewalk. The petitioners proposed installing a subsurface plastic grid in the front setback — a reinforced turf system — to support occasional vehicle crossings while preserving a green appearance. Commissioners discussed pedestrian safety, winter maintenance and whether a paved, visually distinct surface might be preferable; ultimately the commission approved the special land use and the site plan with a modification allowing the subsurface PVC grid in the front drive area and alternatives to traditional grass seed or sod for the landscape belt, while noting the petitioner still must seek any necessary variances.

The petitioner told the commission the operation expects very infrequent vehicle movements (about one per week) and emphasized vehicles will be stored indoors and moved carefully.

The approvals included contingencies for engineering permits, compliance with right‑of‑way standards, and submittal of any required variance applications.