Commission recommends approval for Oval Auto’s move to 28755 Plymouth Road with conditions

The Livonia Planning Commission voted to forward an approving recommendation to City Council for Oval Auto’s petition to operate an automobile repair facility at 28755 Plymouth Road, subject to conditions spelled out in the approving resolution.

Planning staff described the site as a 0.65‑acre parcel in a C‑2 district with a proposed 60‑foot rear addition and a floor plan that shows seven repair bays, a wash area, two offices, storage, two restrooms, a changing room and a compressor room. The petitioner proposed 29 double‑striped parking spaces, which staff said satisfies the parking requirement when combined with staff‑reported employee counts. The plan also shows a screened dumpster enclosure and new landscaping to meet ordinance requirements.

Petitioners Jeff and Vanessa Schembri told the Commission they have operated an auto repair business for 25 years and plan to move to the nearby parcel to expand shop space and parking; they described plans to restore the façade, resurface damaged pavement and improve stormwater and parking infrastructure. Jeff Schembri said the project will address an eyesore at the location and commit to weekly hazmat collection for fluids.

Department reviews flagged items for plan review and condition language: Engineering raised no objection but noted permit/drawing requirements; the Fire Department cautioned that electric vehicle service and lithium‑ion battery incidents require a mitigation plan to be attached to the building permit and plan set; Inspection noted that fencing in a C‑2 district would require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals and required accessible parking to Michigan Barrier Free Code standards; Police and Finance reported no objections.

Commissioner Ventura moved to approve the petition with conditions that include adhering to the submitted site and elevation plans; repairing, resealing and restriping the parking lot to Inspection Department standards; constructing a three‑sided dumpster enclosure complementary to building materials with durable gates; limiting outdoor lighting to shielded fixtures no higher than 20 feet and submission of a photometric plan; prohibiting outdoor storage of parts/vehicles; and requiring permits and plan submission within one year or the approval will lapse. The motion carried and will be forwarded to City Council with an approving recommendation.

The approval carries conditions tied to Inspection and Fire review at building permit stage, including the required lithium‑ion battery mitigation plan noted by the Fire Marshal.