Council adopts zoning changes to limit first-floor self-storage and auto service stations, tightens Highway 99 design rules

Talent City Council on Aug. 6 adopted an ordinance that changes the city zoning code to prohibit first-floor self-service storage in most zones, require a minimum 2,000-foot separation between automobile service stations, and add design standards that emphasize building orientation, pedestrian landscaping and dark-sky-compatible lighting along Highway 99. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance after a public hearing and staff presentation.

City staff presented the package as a subset of recommendations from the Highway 99/Bear Creek Greenway revisioning effort reviewed by the planning commission. The staff report summarized the planning commission's recommendations and noted the changes respond to state housing law, clarify definitions for craft manufacturing and self-storage, and introduce frontage, connection and design standards for the Highway 99 corridor. "There is a very good precedent that supports the city's proposed approach," a staff member told the…