Tesla, the California-based leader in building electric cars, will be opening a service station in Henrietta.

Henrietta Town Supervisor Steve Schultz said the Tesla site at 3300 West Henrietta Road next to The Marketplace Mall in Henrietta was formerly a Dunn Tire location and has the proper permit to operate as a service station. But if you're looking to test-drive a new Model S or Model 3, you're out of luck.

In order to open a dealership or mechanical shop, a special-use permit is necessary, Schultz initially said but later noted that Dunn Tire was already approved as a mechanical service station and therefore Tesla may operate a mechanical service station as well without reapplying for special permit.

Schultz said Tesla still needs to fulfill inspection requirements, including fire suppression system, and it is now closed until inspections are in place. Tesla was operating a soft opening of the new site.

Tesla's business of direct customer sales and owning stores and service centers is different from the standard dealership model in the United States. Tesla is the only manufacturer that currently sells cars directly to customers via its website.

State laws vary when it comes to direct-to-consumer car sales, with a handful refusing to allow direct-to-consumer sales. In 2014, New York banned further Tesla stores but grandfathered in five in the state, so it's at least possible to buy in-state.

MCHAO@Gannett.com