Warrenton approves Circle K conditional-use permit and site plan over traffic concerns

The Warrenton Board of Aldermen approved a conditional-use permit and a site plan on May 19 for a proposed Circle K convenience store and fueling facility on a 3.34-acre site east of Warrenton Boulevard, north of Veterans Memorial Parkway and south of Interstate 70.

Director of Planning and Development Tim Burks said the project includes a 7,472-square-foot convenience store, a quick-service restaurant and a fuel canopy with 10 fueling positions and an eastern high-speed diesel area for trucks. He told the board the development is not being designed as a truck stop because it will not provide showers or overnight facilities. “The service station is for permitted use in the C3 Highway Commercial District,” Burks said, and staff concluded the proposal fits Chapter 405 of the municipal code.

Engineer Matt Covertie said the site's design accounts for truck movements near the roundabouts, including an inner “truck tracking” area and a 40-foot wide truck entrance, and noted a separated diesel area and no intended overnight parking. “We’ve accounted for the truck movements,” he said, while acknowledging traffic patterns will change as nearby Highway 47 work completes.

Aldermen pressed on safety and congestion risks, asking whether multiple semis could stack back into the roundabout and how MoDOT and the city would handle a turn lane or added stacking capacity. One alderman described prior problems with semis running over roundabout centers and asked whether the development would worsen the problem. Staff and consultants said signage, operational controls and enforcement would be used to discourage overnight parking and that MoDOT coordination might be required for roadway changes.

The engineer also described a proposed freestanding sign to aid visibility from I‑70 and noted the lighting spec referenced 4,000 kelvin fixtures; aldermen asked whether a warmer 3,000K fixture could be required to reduce glare.

After public questions and discussion, the board advanced both ordinances for final action. Bill 21‑26 (conditional-use permit) and bill 22‑26 (site plan) were read and adopted by roll call; each ordinance passed by a 5–1 vote.

Votes at a glance Bill 21‑26 — Ordinance approving a conditional-use permit for property east of Warrenton Boulevard: passed, 5–1. Bill 22‑26 — Ordinance approving a site plan for the same property: passed, 5–1.

What happens next Staff and the applicant will coordinate any required traffic work or permitting with MoDOT and finalize permit conditions and sign/lighting details before issuing building permits.