Planning commission recommends approval of conditional use permit for 375 Ivy Ave SE

The Richmond Planning Commission voted Dec. 10 to recommend that the City Council approve a conditional use permit for 375 Ivy Ave SE, a property on Highway 23 proposed for a wholesale auto dealership.

Kendra Ellner, city planner with HKGI, told commissioners the owner, Bill Zastrow, seeks to pave the parking area, store car trailers on site and display a few vehicles for sale. Ellner said the permit is required because the parcel fronts Highway 23 and recommended approval with standard conditions that any signage, lighting or landscaping changes be reviewed and approved by city staff.

Commissioners discussed utilities and drainage. Ellner noted the lot does not have a catch basin but commissioners said there have been no prior drainage issues recorded for the property. After public-hearing procedures were closed, Commissioner Jim Hemmesch moved to forward a recommendation of approval to City Council; Ken Gertken seconded and the motion passed.

The commission did not record a roll-call tally in the minutes; the transcript states only that the motion passed. The commission’s recommendation will next appear on a City Council agenda for final action.

Clarifying details noted at the meeting: the parcel is on Highway 23; the proposed use is wholesale auto sales with on-site trailers; any new signage, lighting or landscaping requires staff approval; the lot lacks a catch basin but no drainage problems were reported.