Commission backs Turo-based rental operation at 6695 Petri Boulevard; sends CU to council

City planner Isabelle Basada told the commission that JBL Rental Management has applied for CU-25-06 to allow automotive and truck rental activity in suite 200 at 6695 Petri Boulevard within the T-5-C Urban Center zoning district. Basada said the suite will be used for employee administrative work only; pickups and returns will be by appointment from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and activity is expected to generate minimal foot traffic. Staff noted the larger office complex has 332 parking spaces and estimated the proposed use would occupy about 17 spaces (roughly 5 percent of available parking). Staff recommended approval.

Applicant Bau Vu, who identified himself as a first-generation immigrant and entrepreneur, said JBL operates roughly 90 vehicles across its business and that approximately 7 percent of the fleet are co-hosted vehicles on the Turo platform. Vu described operations as largely contactless (lockboxes and remote unlock), maintained to routine service standards, and focused on local economic benefits. Vu said the company plans to expand to other metro locations but that this suite will be administrative only.

Commissioners questioned the applicant on fleet ownership and expansion plans and whether similar enterprises nearby are grandfathered under earlier approvals; staff said an existing nearby enterprise likely predates the current zoning and is grandfathered. No speakers in opposition were recorded. Commissioner Chris moved to recommend approval of CU-25-06; Commissioner Devin seconded. The motion passed on a roll call and staff said the recommendation will be forwarded to Doraville City Council in two weeks.

The commission’s recommendation does not approve final operation—City Council will make the final decision—but it clears the planning-stage hurdle for JBL’s proposed administrative use at 6695 Petri Boulevard.