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Council approves first reading of Ordinance 9-47 to restrict auto service stations in downtown
Summary
On first reading the council moved motor vehicle service stations from a permitted use to a conditional use in the B-1 Central Business District and removed mini-storage warehouses from the district's conditional-use list, per planning commission recommendations.
The Dell Rapids City Council voted on first reading to amend the zoning code for the B-1 Central Business District, moving motor vehicle service stations from a permitted use to a conditional use and removing mini-storage warehouses from the list of conditional uses.
Sheldon Jensen, community development director, told the council the proposed Ordinance 9-47 follows Planning Commission discussions about downtown's future. "Making [motor vehicle service stations] a conditional use will be an opportunity to provide some conditions as well as to have some more teeth in enforcing those types of uses in the future," Jensen said.
Under the change, uses presently operating that meet the motor vehicle service-station definition would be grandfathered and allowed to continue operating, Jensen said. The ordinance text also clarifies that gasoline dispensing stations remain a permitted use subject to state and federal regulations, while motor vehicle repair shops would remain subject to conditional-use review.
The Planning Commission recommended the change at a prior meeting; planning staff and the council said the amendment aims to encourage retail growth, housing and sales-tax generating businesses in the downtown core. Alderman Chad Ronshagen moved for approval of the first reading; Denise Cavigelli seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote. The second reading will return at the council's next meeting.
