Adopt Resolution #21-287 Granting a Conditional Use Permit for Auto Sales at 6957 Highway 10 NW; Case of Laws Auto Connection

The purpose of this case is to consider a request from Laws Auto Connection (the "Applicant") for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for auto sales at 6957 Highway 10 NW (the "Subject Property"). The Applicant is proposing an online sales method with scheduled showings at the Subject Property. The property is zoned H-1 Highway 10 Business District and is guided for Commercial in the comprehensive plan. Motor vehicle, implement, and recreation equipment sales and service are allowed as a Conditional Use in the H-1 District.

Staff attempted to notify all property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property of the requested Conditional Use Permit via standard U.S. mail and published the Notice of Public Hearing in the Anoka County UnionHerald.

Section 117-115 (B-2 Highway Business District) states that motor vehicle sales is a conditional use in this district. Laws Auto Connection ("the Applicant") is currently licensed and operating at 6957 Highway 10 NW (the "Subject Property") and plans on opening his own office in the same building. The applicant has provided a site plan of proposed parking locations for both sales and customers on the Subject Property.

Section 117-356 (Off-Street Parking Standards) states that one (1) customer space must be provided for each ten (10) automobiles displayed one (1) space for each full time employee. The applicant's site plan provides five (5) customer parking spaces with a stall width of nine (9) feet with the remainder of the space for sales parking, as required by the State for a Motor Vehicle Dealer's License. The Subject Property has a paved surface lot. The new use will not create a shortage of parking on the Subject Property, and with minimal customers coming to and from the Property, Staff is supportive of the request.

October Planning Commission
At the Planning Commission's regular meeting on October 28, 2021, the Planning Commission recommended adoption of Resolution #21-287 Granting a Conditional Use Permit for auto sales in a B-2 Highway Business District.

Alternatives
Option 1: Motion to adopt Resolution #21-287 approving a Conditional Use Permit for auto sales in a B-2 Highway Business District.  Auto sales is a conditional use in this district, the applicant currently is licensed and operating at this location, and the Subject Property will adequately function as a site for auto sales.Staff supports this option.

Option 2: Motion to deny the request. The City would need to find that the property does not adequately function as a site for auto sales due to outdoor parking and storage constraints or other conflicts with City Code provisions.  Staff does not support this option.

The Applicant is responsible for all costs associated with review.

The Planning Commission recommends adopting Resolution #21-287 Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Laws Auto Connection for auto sales at 6957 Highway 10 NW.

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-287 Granting a Conditional Use Permit for auto sales at 6957 Highway 10 NW.