The Austin Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall was granted a conditional-use permit for additional construction at the Planning Commission meeting Tuesday.

The construction of a 36-foot by 24-foot attached garage at the 2115 5th Ave. SE site was approved unanimously with conditions.

Because of a water drainage problem to the north area, the church must place the roof drainage of the new building in another direction.

Off-street parking requirements would need to be complied with; landscaping plans would need to be submitted to the planning and zoning office for approval and any signage must follow under the city's sign ordinance according to Craig Hoium community development director.

Gary Grant and Daniel Bissen petitioned the use of the space at currently vacant store at 415 10th St. NE for an auto tire sales and a service center.

The proposal was approved unanimously with the following conditions: because of current plans to annex a building, a building plan must be submitted to the board for approval.

They must comply with off-street parking. Any exterior storage of automotive parts or tires must be screened with at least a 6-feet-high fence where it adjoins with homes, parks, school or church.

"We were happy to hear the approval," said Bissen who recently moved Bissen Appliance and TV to a west storefront of the Sterling Shopping Center and will be having its grand opening this weekend.

"There is more space and a lot more traffic in the area," Bissen said.

In other business, within the next 3 to 4 weeks there will be a public meeting scheduled addressing ristorice renovation to the community which will include the city council, planning commission and is open to the public.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austinherald.com