The Waupaca City Planning Commission on Sept. 3 voted to recommend that the City Council approve rezoning for 702 West Fulton Street to the B-3 General Commercial District to allow a proposed AutoZone retail store. The recommendation will move to City Council as ordinance 09‑20‑25.

Planning staff told the commission the property is currently zoned B-4 Strip Commercial with a Fulton Street Corridor overlay and that a pending comprehensive-plan amendment and a certified survey map would need to be approved to combine two parcels. The proposed use was described as retail general with less than 10,000 square feet of sales floor area, which is a permitted use in the B-3 district.

Two speakers at the public hearing identified themselves in support: Allen Ketchbull of Kimley Horn Engineering, who said he was representing the applicant and appreciated working with staff, and property owner John Piotr, who said he supported combining the parcels to create one zoning for the proposed development.

Commission action: motion by Commissioner Velacker, second by Commissioner Olson to recommend ordinance 09‑20‑25; voice vote carried. Planning staff noted the recommendation to council includes conditions that the comprehensive-plan amendment and certified survey map be approved and that all necessary permits be obtained prior to construction.

Next steps: if City Council approves the ordinance (two readings), the applicant may proceed with building permits and required site work and inspections.