HomeMy WebLinkAboutAuto Lot Work Session 2
City of Columbia
Heights
Memo
To:
Mayor Peterson, City Council Members
From:
Jeff Sargent, City Planner
Date:
Re:
Proposed Zoning Amendment for Auto Lots
The City Council has expressed concerns regarding the sale of vehicles, particularly
used cars along the Central Avenue. In response to this concern, the Council
implemented a moratorium on used car lots and directed City Staff to study the
situation and offer a viable solution to the problem. On February 14, 2006, the Auto
Lot Moratorium expired, and the City Council adopted an ordinance requiring a
Conditional Use Permit for all new auto sales lots within the GB, General Business
District.
Subsequently, the City Council directed staff to further refine the ordinance, placing
restrictions on used car lots in the City. City Staff has prepared a proposed
amendment to the zoning ordinance to respond to the Council’s directive.
The proposed changes to the zoning code would essentially permit, as a Conditional
Use, the sale of new and used cars throughout the General Business District (GB).
The amendment would also rezone the General Business properties along University
Avenue to General Business Automotive (GB-A).
GB, General Business
New car dealerships as stand-alone businesses. (Up to 30% of the vehicles
sold on a new car lot could be used vehicles).
Used car dealerships as stand-alone businesses, as long as they are located
th
in an enclosed building that meets the Design Guidelines for 40 Avenue or
Central Avenue.
GB-A, General Business – Automotive
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New car dealerships as stand-alone businesses. (Up to 30% of the vehicles
sold on a new car lot could be used vehicles).
Used car dealerships as stand-alone businesses.
Attached is a draft ordinance outlining the needed changes in the zoning code to
accommodate the proposed changes to the GB, General Business District.
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