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Westminster council adopts zoning text amendment redefining automobile uses
Summary
The Westminster Mayor and Common Council adopted Ordinance 2025-O1 on Oct. 13, 2025, updating automobile-related land-use definitions and permitted uses across multiple zoning districts after a brief amendment and voice vote.
The Mayor and Common Council of Westminster adopted Ordinance 2025-O1 on Oct. 13, 2025, amending the city's zoning code to add new definitions for automobile-related uses and to update where those uses are permitted.
The ordinance revises Chapter 164 (Zoning and Subdivision of Land) to add definitions for "automobile detailing shop," "automobile repair and service shop, major," "automobile repair and service shop, minor," and "automobile sales," and replaces the term "service station" with "automobile service station." It also updates permitted-uses tables and special provisions across multiple zones, including mixed-use infill, business, downtown business, restricted industrial (IR), general industrial (IG), neighborhood commercial (NC), planned industrial (PI), planned regional shopping center (PRSC) and related sign provisions.
Zoning staff recommended the amendment as presented but noted three recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission that were considered earlier in the process. Zoning Administrator Mister Dipo told the council the Economic and Community Development Committee and the department recommended retaining restaurants as a permitted use in the PI zone and that the proposed amendments integrate the commission's concerns where appropriate.
Councilmember Harold Hough moved to amend Ordinance 2025-O1 consistent with the attachment in the staff report to clarify language about inns and motels. Councilmember Gilbert seconded the amendment; the council approved it by voice vote. Councilmember Hough then moved to adopt the ordinance as amended; Councilmember Pecoraro seconded. The council adopted Ordinance 2025-O1 by voice vote ("the ayes have it").
The Department of Community Planning and Development's staff report attached to the ordinance explains the changes and the ECDC's support for maintaining restaurants as permitted uses under zoning code section 164-66(g) ("motor inns or motels with or without a restaurant"). The report also noted prior public hearings and discussions dating back to July and August 2025 when the Planning and Zoning Commission and the ECDC reviewed different aspects of the proposal.
The ordinance will change how automobile-related businesses are classified and where they may operate. Officials did not provide a roll-call tally; votes on the amendment and on final adoption were taken by voice and recorded as carried. No implementation timetable beyond standard permitting procedures was specified in the meeting record.
Council members and staff indicated the change grew from multi-stage review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Economic and Community Development Committee and that additional clarifying amendments may follow through the standard code update process.
