Plan Commission approves Crew Car Wash plat and site plan, requires landscaping fixes

The Plainfield Plan Commission voted March 2 to approve a primary plat and an architecture and site‑design review for a proposed Crew Car Wash on a 3.74‑acre parcel along U.S. 40, with conditions requiring recordation of a secondary plat and a revised landscaping plan that satisfies the Plainfield Zoning Ordinance.

At the meeting, Nick, an engineer with Kimley‑Horn, told the commission that the applicant had “reoriented the building to be parallel to U.S. 40” and enclosed the start of the wash tunnel to shield the highway. “We would certainly work with Kyle and staff to make sure that we meet the plant unit values,” he said when commissioners asked about landscaping calculations.

Kyle Authenreith, town planning staff, summarized the reason the project returned to the commission: the applicant had earlier been asked to rotate the building for sound‑mitigation reasons and to update landscaping. Authenreith said staff found the landscaping submittal deficient when measured against the town’s plant‑unit scoring, with the largest shortfalls on the south perimeter facing the Legacy Farms neighborhood and on the east perimeter and foundation plantings. Staff also noted the site contains a sizable undeveloped area that will remain a single lot, creating a potentially developable parcel in the future.

Commission discussion focused on whether landscaping placed along the parking area would satisfy the ordinance’s intent for a west perimeter buffer. Several commissioners said planting next to the parking area better meets the practical goals of screening and noise mitigation, while staff emphasized the ordinance’s perimeter requirements. The applicant said he would work with staff on the calculations and planting plan.

Mr. Philip moved to approve PP‑25‑061, the primary plat for the 3.74‑acre lot, subject to standard recording and right‑of‑way vacation conditions; Mr. Brandgard seconded. The roll call vote recorded unanimous approval by the commissioners present and PP‑25‑061 was approved. Mr. Philip then moved to approve FDP‑25‑061, the architecture and site design application for a 7,925‑square‑foot building, with conditions that the secondary plat be recorded prior to improvement permits and that “the landscaping plan shall be revised to comply with all applicable ordinance requirements, subject to review and approval by town staff.” Mr. McPhail seconded; the commission voted unanimously to approve FDP‑25‑061.

The approvals include these conditions: compliance with the Plainfield Town Code and standards; substantial compliance with the submitted plats and plans; no permits until the secondary plat is recorded; and that landscaping be revised to meet plant‑unit values with staff review. The commission’s action does not yet settle the south‑perimeter planting details; staff will work with the applicant to ensure the final plan meets ordinance standards.

The commission’s decisions conclude the plan‑commission level review for the Crew Car Wash; the conditions listed above must be satisfied before construction permits are issued.