Council amends sales-lot rules to ease paving requirements for low-use lots

The City Council adopted an ordinance amending the city code to clarify outside storage and commercial display sales-lot requirements and to distinguish high-use and low-use sales lots. Planner Ilya Gutmann said the current ordinance required all sales lots to be paved. The amendment creates a separate category for lower-use lots—examples include sellers of lawn equipment or sheds—and allows them to omit full paving provided there is paved access within five feet of the displayed items. The planning commission and the legislative ordinance committee reviewed the change. Staff said the change aims to reduce upfront costs for businesses while preserving public access and basic maintenance standards. Staff also told the council they would work with a new dealership on East College Drive on a pavement plan over time. A motion by Craig, seconded by C, to adopt the ordinance amendment carried on a council vote.