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Council amends zoning code to grandfather two long-standing dealership lots
Summary
The council adopted an amendment to the unified land development ordinance to grandfather two existing dealership lots with rock coverings; the exemption applies while current use continues but requires property upgrades if the use ceases for more than 12 months or the property sells and use changes.
The Seward City Council adopted an amendment to the municipal code that allows two existing dealership lots with rock surfacing to remain in their current condition as nonconforming uses until the dealerships cease operations for more than 12 months or the parcels are sold and the use changes.
Tim, planning staff, told the council the change grew out of a new dealer occupying the former John Deere site at the east edge of town and questions about whether the lot surface complied with the zoning code. Staff identified a second long-standing rock-surfaced lot (Herpel Shiner’s) and proposed a limited grandfathering to treat both consistently.
Under the amendment (Ordinance No. 2025-18), the two lots may continue their existing dealership uses and parking on rock or existing surfaces; if the use ceases for more than 12 months or the business is sold and the use changes, the lots must be brought into compliance with the municipal code. The planning commission recommended the change 7-0; the council adopted the ordinance 7-0 after a public hearing with no comments.
The ordinance includes standard publication and effective-date provisions.
