Lincoln County planning commissions approve motor-vehicle repair permit on Tallgrass Avenue with conditions

Lincoln County and City of Sioux Falls planning commissions voted to approve a conditional use permit allowing a motor vehicle repair operation on a property along Tallgrass Avenue, county staff said.

Toby Brown, representing County Planning and Zoning, told the joint meeting the property is zoned I-1 (light industrial), sits about 600 feet south of the Sioux Falls corporate limits near County Highway 106, and already contains a building used under a prior conditional permit. Brown said staff reviewed the applicant's request and recommended approval with 10 conditions intended to align the site with planned Tallgrass Avenue improvements and to codify coordination between county and city staff.

The applicant, Josiah Brunz of North Impact LLC and owner/operator of Northland Motorcars in Sioux Falls, said the proposed operation would primarily service vehicles from his dealership to speed turnaround. "We're gonna be servicing about 30 a month," Brunz said, describing mostly light maintenance such as oil changes, tires, brakes and inspections; he added that major mechanical repairs would continue to be subcontracted to other shops.

Commissioners asked about enforcement under the joint jurisdiction and about adjacent uses. Brown said the Joint Zoning Ordinance designates the County Planning and Zoning Department as administrator; enforcement of condition violations would be handled through the Joint Planning Commission with coordination from both county and city staff. Brown also told commissioners several of the conditions focus on ensuring site improvements match future public works on Tallgrass Avenue.

On the Lincoln County side, the commission moved to approve the permit with the 10 staff conditions and adopted the motion by roll call: Commissioner Sweeter — yes; Commissioner Boos — yes; Commissioner Green — yes; Commissioner Otten — abstain; Commissioner Junglee — yes. On the City of Sioux Falls side, a separate motion to approve with the 10 conditions was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Brown said staff had discussed the application extensively with the applicant and with city staff and that the conditions largely codify prior agreements about site work and coordination. Brunz told the commissions he expects the dealership to carry between 45 and 55 vehicles for sale at any given time and to sell about 25 vehicles per month, with the on-site shop primarily addressing routine service to keep inventory moving.

The joint commissions closed the public hearing after no members of the public came forward, congratulated the applicant and adjourned the meeting.