Commerce Street EV charging facility

At a glance

Based on auto-generated captions; names and details may be misheard.

What: Site development review for a gated private electric-vehicle charging and vehicle storage site on the east side of Commerce Street, about 345 ft north of Charleston Boulevard, to charge driverless ride-hail vehicles.
Where it stands: Approved with staff conditions plus an added public-art condition. A denial motion by Vice Chair Schlottman failed first.
Next: Final action unless appealed to the city clerk within 10 days.

About 50 spaces, a small operations building, 24-hour on-site security, entry and exit on Commerce Street only, no access from Main Street.
Applicant offered a condition: an agreement letting the city use the east face of an 8-ft block wall along Main Street for a mural, with up to $90,000 paid by the developer before building permits, city copyright and access to maintain it. The wall replaces the originally proposed wrought-iron fence.
Staff supported the project and the building setback waivers (overhead power lines along Commerce Street). The use is allowed by right in the zone.

Vice Chair Schlottman opposed: the site covers about four lots in an arts-district area north of Charleston the city has been trying to make more walkable, and a charging depot brings no foot traffic. He said the commission can still find a project not harmonious and compatible even when the use is allowed.
Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Rogan said they struggle to deny a permitted use on a site development review; Rogan asked for a review at council after 6 to 12 months if vehicles prove noisy.
No members of the public spoke.

About 17 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).

Meeting	Minutes
2026-10-13 - Planning Commission	17

2026-10-13 - Planning Commission — Schlottman's denial motion failed; Rogan's approval with staff conditions and the added mural/wall condition carried. Final action unless appealed in 10 days.