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CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS PLANNING REPORT
CASE NUMBER: 2012-0401
DATE: April 3, 2012
TO: Columbia Heights Planning Commission
APPLICANT: City of Columbia Heights
LOCATION: City Wide
REQUEST: Zoning Amendment for Precious Metal Dealers
PREPARED BY: Jeff Sargent, City Planner
INTRODUCTION
Due to an inquiry about precious metal dealers, Staff noticed that the Zoning Code does
not specifically address this type of business. The Zoning Code does not define this type
of business, nor does it regulate which zoning district such business may locate. By
conducting a thorough review of the City’s Municipal Code, it was discovered that a
precious metal dealer business is licensed in the same category as pawnshops,
secondhand / consignment stores and check cashing businesses.
Section 5.203 of the City Code defines the purpose of licensing these types of businesses:
The City Council of the City of Columbia Heights finds that pawnbrokers,
secondhand goods merchants and precious metal dealers potentially provide an
opportunity for the concealment of crimes because such businesses have the
ability to receive and transfer stolen property easily and quickly. The City Council
also finds that consumer protection regulation is warranted in transactions involving
pawnbrokers, secondhand goods merchants and precious metal dealers. The
purpose of this section is, therefore, to prevent pawnbroking, secondhand goods
and precious metal businesses from being used as facilities for commission of
crimes and to assure that such businesses comply with the basic consumer
protection standards, thereby protecting the public health, safety and general
welfare of the residents of the city.
At this time, Staff proposes an amendment to the Zoning Code to define “Precious Metal
Dealer” and regulate which zoning district it may be located in. In order to be consistent
with the licensing procedures already established in the City Code, Staff proposes
City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission April 3, 2012
City of Columbia Heights, Precious Metal Dealers Case # 2012-0401
classifying this type of business in a similar manner as pawnshops, secondhand /
consignment stores and check cashing businesses, with similar regulations and zoning
requirements.
Zoning Requirements
In order to stay consistent with the licensing classification of precious metal dealers, the
following zoning requirements are proposed:
1. Shall be allowed in the GB, General Business District only, as a Conditional Use
Permit.
2. The use shall be located at least 3,000 feet from all existing precious metal dealers,
pawnshops, currency exchanges and secondhand / consignment stores.
3. All receipt, sorting and processing of goods shall occur within a completely
enclosed building.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to preserve and enhance the existing
viable commercial areas within the community, and to promote reinvestment in properties
by the commercial and industrial sectors. Regulating precious metal dealers would help
strengthen viable commercial areas in the City.
FINDINGS OF FACT
Section 9.104 (F) of the Columbia Heights zoning code requires that the City Council make
each of the following four findings before approving a zoning amendment:
1. The amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to preserve and enhance the
existing viable commercial areas within the community, and to promote reinvestment
in properties by the commercial and industrial sectors. Regulating precious metal
dealers would help strengthen viable commercial areas in the City.
2. The amendment is in the public interest and is not solely for the benefit of a
single property owner.
The proposed amendment would apply to all commercial districts throughout the
City.
3. Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular
property, the existing use of the property and the zoning classification of
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City of Columbia Heights Planning Commission April 3, 2012
City of Columbia Heights, Precious Metal Dealers Case # 2012-0401
property within the general area of the property in question are compatible with
the proposed zoning classification.
The amendment would not change the zoning classification of a particular property.
4. Where the amendment is to change the zoning classification of a particular
property, there has been a change in the character or trend of development in
the general area of the property in question, which has taken place since such
property was placed in the current zoning classification.
The amendment would not change the zoning classification of a particular property.
RECOMMENDATION
Motion:
That the Planning Commission recommends that the City Council approve the
proposed zoning amendment.
Attachments
Draft zoning ordinance
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