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Developer presents 'car condo' plan for Walters Way site; commission flags zoning questions
Summary
A developer outlined a proposal for 18 individually owned 'car condo' garages and a shared lounge on a 1.4‑acre industrial parcel off Olive; commissioners said the use may fit light industrial zoning for storage but the condominium ownership structure may require a special permit or an ordinance mechanism to allow sublots.
A developer on May 7 presented a concept for an 18‑unit "car condo" development on a roughly 1.4‑acre site in the city’s light industrial area near Emerson, describing individually owned garage condominiums, a shared lounge and secure gated access.
Mark McLaren, representing the project team, described the product as "a very well appointed garage" and a social space for car owners. "What we'd be looking at from our standpoint is a similar design... where it would be right back there in that industrial park," McLaren said. He described a typical unit footprint of about 25 by 60 feet and said the developer would build the whole project once it had presold a sufficient portion.
McLaren said the units would be sold as condominium units and governed by a condo association responsible for common areas. He acknowledged uncertainty about whether the Light Industrial District permits condominium subdivision for individual ownership: "The question... can we do it within the confines of what we're talking about within the city of Olivette? Right now, it's zone light industrial. I don't think it's black and white within the zoning rules that this works," he said.
Staff director Carlos Trejo and other commissioners noted that storage and vehicle storage uses are allowed in the LID but that condo ownership in an industrial district is not established in the zoning code; the commission discussed whether a special permit or an amendment to allow subdividing an industrial parcel into condominium units would be required. Trejo said the city has mechanisms for condos in residential districts but not in the Light Industrial District and that a mechanism would need to be developed to allow saleable, small condo lots within the industrial zoning framework.
Commissioners asked about security, parking, building code standards and potential bylaw requirements addressing use and hours. McLaren said units could be plumbed for optional bathrooms and that fire suppression and exhaust sensors would be included; he said resale prices vary by market and cited examples elsewhere (Kansas City and Florida) but did not identify firm local pricing.
The presentation was preliminary; commissioners characterized the project as "doable" but noted it would likely require a zoning review or special permit and more detailed bylaws or condo governing documents for city review. No formal action was taken; staff and the developer agreed to continue discussing regulatory options.
The proposal drew interest from commissioners as a potential unique use that could help redevelop a long‑vacant lot, but the commission did not reach conclusions about approvals, permitting or a council referral at the May 7 meeting.
