CENTERBURG — The Centerburg Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a used car lot on Johnsville Road at Monday’s meeting.
The approval had to be unanimous because only three of the five commission members attended.
The commission also approved a site plan for the new construction.
Scott Stephens is in contract to buy the 0.91-acre lot at 50 Johnsville Road from David Weade. A used car lot is a conditional use under the parcel’s Community Commercial zoning.
Stephens anticipates closing on the property by mid-November and would like to start construction within 60 days. He plans to build a 30-by-50-by-13-foot building facing Johnsville Road.
The building includes two enclosed garages and finished office space.
The commission approved the conditional use with the provision that Stephens brings the signage up to code.
The maximum height the code allows on a pole sign is 8 feet. Stephens submitted plans for a 20-foot-high pole sign but agreed to lower it and comply with the code.
Stephens said he would add additional landscaping if feasible.
The lot will include a 180-by-115-foot asphalted area, seven customer parking spots, and 35 spots for merchandise cars. It will have camera security and be well lit. The entrance is on Johnsville Road.
“I grew up in a small town, and I love small areas where everybody seems like a family,” Stephens said of his choice to locate in the village. “I will enjoy getting more involved.
“Plus, it is up and growing,” he continued. “This land came available and we jumped right on it.”
A native of Shadyside, Stephens has 15-plus years of used-cars experience. He lives in Galena with his wife, Laura, and three daughters.
