The Warrenton Board of Aldermen approved a zoning change request at their Dec. 17 meeting, paving the way for a new Dobbs Tire and Auto Center to open in the city.
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The Warrenton Board of Aldermen approved a zoning change request at their Dec. 17 meeting, paving the way for a new Dobbs Tire and Auto Center to open in the city.
The measure rezoned approximately three acres of property west of Highway 47 and south of Veterans Memorial Parkway to C-3 highway commercial, allowing for the auto shop as an acceptable use.
“The zoning change will allow Dobbs Tire and Auto Center to construct a commercial facility on this site, expanding its commercial footprint and aligning the land use with nearby highway commercial zoning,” said Tim Burks, Warrenton director of planning and development.
Board members also approved a conditional use permit, as well as the site plan for the new business.
Yosef Howley, with Civil Engineering Design Consultants, was at the meeting to discuss the project further with the board.
He said they plan to construct a 10-bay service center as well as a sales floor for tires and other auto supplies.
Board members questioned Howley about whether there were any requirements for the building to remain as presented to the board, since other businesses in the past had made changes after the fact that had negatively affected their appearance.
Howley assured board members that the colors of the building would not change, and are actually integral to the building materials themselves, so there would be no need for additional painting.
“Dobbs Tire and Auto, they put their best foot forward in their building materials,” said Howley. “They don’t want to have maintenance and everything else.”
He went on to say that they had planned to accommodate 70 parking spaces in their lot on the property, and that most of the development would be focused on the east side near the highway.
“The western part of the lot will remain undeveloped, the conditions aren’t really conducive (to development,)” said Howley.
Alderman Steven Cullom noted the property does include a large slope on the western side that would significantly impede development.
Board members also wanted assurances that the property would remain clean and there would not be any derelict cars or tires in the parking lot for extended periods of time.
“Cars that are being serviced for multiple days in a row, they don’t park those there,” said Howley. “It’s in and out and get the job done.”
He went on to say that in situations where long-term repairs are needed, Dobbs works with customers to ensure their cars are at Dobbs for as little time as possible.
Howley also noted that Dobbs primarily uses box trucks for their deliveries, and that any deliveries from tractor trailers would be “very rare.”
All of the measures related to the new auto center passed unanimously, allowing work to begin. Construction timelines were not discussed at the meeting.
