Council approves second reading of Ordinance 9‑47 to make motor vehicle service stations conditional use in downtown

The Dell Rapids City Council completed the second reading and approved Ordinance 9‑47, an amendment to the city's 2011 revised zoning ordinance that changes permitted uses in the Central Business District.

Sheldon (staff) summarized changes to Chapter 9 B1: the amendment makes “motor vehicle service station” a conditional use in the Central Business District rather than a permanent use, aligning it with similar uses such as gasoline-dispensing stations and motor vehicle repair shops. The ordinance text retained a setback requirement that gasoline pump islands be located more than 15 feet from the nearest property line, as noted during the reading. The ordinance also removes “mini storage warehouse” as a conditional use in the Central Business District; the planning commission and staff recommended the change on grounds that small storage units are not consistent with downtown revitalization and are accommodated elsewhere in the city.

Council action: Ron Soggin moved approval of the second reading; Nelson seconded. The council first voted verbally and then took a roll call; finance officer called the roll and every named council member present voted yes. The motion passed and the ordinance advanced after the second reading.

Why it matters: The change makes siting motor fuel/service uses in the downtown subject to conditional-use review and potential conditions, which adds an additional public-review step before those uses could be approved in the Central Business District. Removing mini-storage from the downtown conditional-use list signals a policy preference for downtown economic activity that staff and the planning commission said better supports revitalization goals.

No appeals, amendments or further committee referrals were recorded during the meeting; the ordinance was passed on the second reading with a roll-call affirmative vote.