The Chesterfield Planning Commission heard public comment Monday, June 22, on Car Craft Auto Body's request to expand its building footprint by 20% and move its northern building line 245 feet closer to Interstate 64. No vote was taken.

The commission adjourned at 7:26 p.m. with Commissioner Rodermund absent.

What Car Craft Is Asking For

The auto body shop at 17519 Chesterfield Airport Road, operating on a 7.42-acre site since 2012, wants three changes to its current zoning rules:

• More building space: Total allowed square footage would rise from 60,000 to 72,000, an increase of 12,000 square feet.
• Smaller building setback from I-64: The northern building line would move from 300 feet to just 55 feet from the interstate.
• Smaller parking setback from I-64: Northern parking would shift from 290 feet to 55 feet.

The site would be reconfigured into four buildings with expanded parking and improved cross-access to Arnage Road. No new uses are proposed. Stock & Associates Consulting Engineers, the applicant's engineering firm, cited business growth in its May 12 application to Planning Director Justin Wyse.

Why It Matters Here

This is the third time in roughly 15 years that the site's owner has sought to expand. The last round, approved by City Council in January 2022, bumped building area from 40,000 to 60,000 square feet. That 2021 public hearing raised concerns about screening of damaged vehicles, permitted uses, and access to Arnage Road. Council ultimately added a condition requiring outdoor storage areas to be screened with berming, landscaping, or fencing.

For context on the proposed 55-foot setback: the Jaguar/Land Rover dealership immediately east already sits just 30 feet from I-64, while Lou Fusz Ford to the west has a 190-foot building setback.

What Happens Next

City staff will prepare amendments and a revised site plan for discussion at the next Planning Commission meeting, where commissioners will make a recommendation to City Council. The next meeting date has not been confirmed publicly; residents can check chesterfield.mo.us or contact city planner Isaak Simmers at 636-537-4745 for updates.

No transcript of Monday's public comment has been released.