Oval Auto seeks to expand on Plymouth Road; planners recommend approval with stipulations

Jeff and Vanessa Schumbury told the Livonia City Council on July 13 they are pursuing a waiver to operate and expand Oval Auto Repair at 28755 Plymouth Road. The proposal would renovate a former retail building and add roughly 60 feet in depth, resulting in a building of about 7,500 square feet and seven repair bays. The petitioner said the change is intended to give the business more space and allow succession within the family.

Planning staff said the property is zoned commercial and that the proposed use is allowable by waiver. Staff noted the site includes 28 parking spaces and lies adjacent to residential properties to the south, and the planning commission recommended approval with conditions including pavement repairs, limiting the height of exterior lighting, and submission of a photometric plan to ensure compliance with lighting standards. Staff also recommended removing an existing nonconforming pylon sign.

Staff reminded council of a prior 2002 council resolution that limited a previous waiver for the Chambre family to that operator; planning recommended a similar provision to restrict transfer to another operator without returning to council. The petitioner said the request would allow them to expand rather than immediately sell the business; "I'm just looking for more space," one owner said.

Council members welcomed the investment and the prospect of revitalizing a neglected building on Plymouth Road, and several members indicated they would place the item on the consent agenda for the July 27 meeting. No final council vote or formal conditions were adopted during the study session; council will consider the planning stipulations and the recommended transfer restriction at final action.