The Warren City Zoning Board of Appeals on Nov. 12 approved major parts of a variance request from iDrive Auto Parts at 21311 Groesbeck Highway but sent the parking‑related waivers back for rework and re‑notice.

Attorney Karen Berdy, representing owner Calvin Hermez, told the board the business operates as an automotive recycler — not a wrecking or towing yard — and that much of its sales are online. "We are a true recycling yard," Berdy said, describing twice‑yearly audits by industry associations and inspections by state environmental agencies to support safe handling of fluids and parts.

Planning staff, however, flagged several technical issues in a written impact statement. Staff said the site’s accessible parking aisle was shown as 5 feet wide where ADA standards require an 8‑foot wide access aisle for a van accessible space, and that measurement errors on the site plan reduce the proposed maneuvering lane to 8 feet rather than the 11 feet the petitioner seeks. "The maneuvering lane would only be 8 foot in width," planning staff told the board, recommending removal of the two southernmost parking spaces or referral back for a revised layout.

Board members divided the request into two parts. By motion the board separated items concerning fencing, continuation of the recycling use, and the building addition (items 1, 2 and 7) from those related to parking dimensions, waived spaces and aisle widths (items 3–6). After discussion and roll call, the board approved the non‑parking items, finding they were not a detriment and noting prior approvals on parts of the property. The board then tabled items 3–6 so the petitioner can refile a revised parking plan and secure new public notice for any additional waivers.

The board asked the petitioner to return with corrected striping and aisle width information, and to either ask the board to waive a larger number of parking spaces or coordinate with planning to revise the layout. Berdy said she would meet with planning and refile the parking portion rather than force her client through a full reapproval of other elements.

What happens next: The petitioner will revise the parking plan, coordinate with the planning department and return to the board with a re‑noticed application for the parking waivers.