The Dickinson City Commission on Oct. 7 adopted a zoning text amendment (ordinance 18-34) that clarifies how motor vehicles are classified at auto-service sites and updates screening and storage definitions.

City Planner Natalie Burchak told the commission the amendments revise Section 62-10 (definitions), Table 62-162-2 (permitted uses by zoning district) and Section 62-469 (commercial uses) to clarify that motor vehicles — “regardless of their current mechanical state of operability” — are not treated as general outdoor storage when they are part of an auto‑service use. Vehicles that remain on site without being moved or used for more than 21 days would fall under the vehicle storage long-term definition and be subject to long-term storage standards.

Burchak said staff mailed more than 500 notices to addresses within 300 feet of 26 local auto-service businesses and received about eleven calls for clarification and two oppositions, one of which arrived as a late letter included in the commission packet. Staff recommended approval.

Commissioner Frederick moved to adopt the ordinance; Commissioner Bair seconded. The motion passed on a 4–1 vote: Commissioners Frederick, Bair and Murphy and President Scott Decker voted aye; Commissioner Riddle recorded a no vote.

City staff said the amendment only clarifies existing enforcement practice and the screening applicable to vehicles used in auto-service operations.