Urban Design Review Commission | May 20, 2026

The City of Columbia's Urban Design Review Commission met on May 20, 2026, to review a design proposal for a new Murphy Oil USA service station at the intersection of Sunset Drive and North Main Street. The commission evaluated the applicant's revised plans, which included a convenience store, fuel canopy with 16 fueling positions, parking, landscaping, and stormwater management features. Staff recommended approval with conditions such as reducing the curb radius for safer vehicle turns, relocating the outdoor lounge area away from the dumpster, and adding clerestory windows to increase facade transparency. The applicant agreed to these conditions and addressed questions regarding traffic and design adjustments. Public comments expressed concerns about increased traffic, community impact, and the appropriateness of a large corporate gas station in the neighborhood. Despite opposition, the commission voted unanimously to approve the certificate of design approval with the stipulated conditions. No specific contract awards or budget allocations were discussed during the meeting.