Planning commission tables Clean Express Auto Wash #625, recommends three exceptions

The Salem Township Planning Commission reviewed a redevelopment proposal to retrofit an existing building into Clean Express Auto Wash #625 at its May 6, 2026 meeting. The commission voted to accept the application as complete but tabled further action while Solicitor Ryan Thomas reviews ownership documentation submitted after hours and the applicant seeks required modifications. The parcel cited for the project is tax map 57-12-00-0-096; Solicitor Thomas noted the parcel does not meet the two‑acre minimum for a non‑residential development and will require a formal modification request to the Board of Supervisors.

As part of the application review the applicant requested two exceptions and a stormwater modification. The commission unanimously recommended: (a) an exception to SALDO Section 602.F.1 to allow thirteen existing parking spaces along the front of the building to remain at 9'×18' instead of the standard 9'×20'; (b) an exception to SALDO Section 601.B.2 to waive the 2‑acre minimum lot size for non‑residential development; and (c) an exception to Section 307 of the Stormwater Management Ordinance. Commissioners also provided an extensive list of required revisions to the cover sheet and site plan (owner/developer names and addresses; engineer certification and license number; exterior tract bearings and distances; specified front/side/rear setbacks including a 40' setback from US Route 22 and 30' setbacks from Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street Road; a parking chart; a minimum loading space; internal traffic circulation; and a revision number/date). The commission noted that WCCD erosion-and-sediment control approval, DEP Component 3 approval, FTMSA and Township tap allocations, and a MAWC verification letter will be required before final approvals.