Southlake City Council heard the first reading Tuesday night of a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow a Tesla gallery in Southlake Town Square. If the second reading is approved, the Tesla store would operate at Buckle on Grand Avenue. Buckle is in the process of moving into the space currently occupied by Justice. The Southlake gallery would be 4,555 square feet and would display several Tesla vehicle models inside the premises. Tesla designs and manufactures electric sedans and SUVs for retail sale. The company operates more than 200 stores and galleries, 80 of which in the U.S., with the closest being Northpark Center in Dallas. Tesla is the only automaker that sells cars directly to consumers outside of using the standard independently owned dealership model. Because Texas law currently prohibits direct sale, an ordering process is utilized via iPad with actual sales occurring in California. Tesla is lobbying to change the law in Texas and require that the lease allow for the eventual sale of cars directly from the premises. Tesla will not service cars in the traditional sense but may download maps or provide other services. They will also sell merchandise, including Tesla branded hats, shirts and other accessories. Tesla will offer test drives from the premises and will be allowed to park up to six cars behind the premises in addition to the cars that will be housed inside. Tesla will be allowed to install up to six Tesla branded charging stations directly behind the premises. Any vehicles that Tesla leaves outside of the premises will utilize the charging station spaces overnight provided they are available.