Plan Commission OKs conditional use for auto-detailing and repairs at 222 W. Saint Paul Ave

The Waukesha City Plan Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit for 222 W. Saint Paul Avenue, allowing renovation of a long-vacant storefront section and paving of an adjacent gravel lot to serve multiple commercial tenants, including a proposed auto-detailing and minor repair business.

Charlie, a city planning staff member, told the commission the proposal would restore siding and windows, add an accessible entrance and ramp, reconfigure tenant suites and add landscaping and garage door replacements. The applicants plan to lease Suite E to an auto-detailing and minor repair operator; staff recommended limiting repair and cleaning work to 8 a.m.-6 p.m., prohibiting vehicle sales, requiring two employee spaces and one customer space to be available at all times, and requiring a recorded cross-access easement prior to building permits.

Commissioners questioned parking allocations and use of the adjacent parcel for access. Charlie said applicants will need to record a cross-access easement and that staff will review striping and circulation before permits are granted. After discussion a motion to approve with staff comments passed on a voice vote.

Architect Ashley Pollux of Thrive Architects later said the applicant had not intended to remove a fence between the two lots and asked that the commission note concerns about pedestrian and retail traffic from neighboring businesses. The commission did not alter the approved conditions but recorded the comment for future review.

The approval is for the conditional use permit; required site-plan, architectural-review and building-permit approvals remain outstanding and must meet the stated conditions before occupancy or operation starts.