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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 1  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.  Page 2