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Planning commission approves code update to clarify remote vehicle storage at Burnsville Center
Summary
The commission voted June 23 to approve an amendment to City Code Section 10-7-50 to allow licensed local dealerships to use underutilized sites near Burnsville Center for temporary storage of new vehicles, add new definitions and limit remote storage to new vehicles and specified areas.
The Burnsville Planning Commission on June 23 approved an amendment to City Code Title 10, Chapter 7, Section 50 that clarifies and limits where auto dealerships may store new‑vehicle inventory off their primary lots.
Planning Manager Marosla explained the change is intended to bring the city code into alignment with the 2020 rezoning of the mall area and to provide clearer standards for temporary dealer storage at underutilized sites such as Burnsville Center. “The intent of the ordinance is to allow local dealerships to store new vehicles at sites that are underutilized, such as, like, Burnsville Center,” Marosla said.
Under the amendment, remote storage remains limited to new or previously titled consumer vehicles tied to a licensed dealership; the code explicitly prohibits use of the permit for storage of used vehicles intended for sale. The revision adds definitions for terms including "regional shopping center," "excess parking" and "primary business location" and restricts eligible remote‑storage sites to the regional shopping center and properties within 350 feet of that center (staff noted this preserves a South‑of‑Highway 42 boundary for the policy area).
Staff described the approval as an administrative permit process with standards the applicant must meet, including a narrative and site plan. The new language also clarifies that remote storage is intended as a temporary use to serve nearby dealerships and that sales or on‑site advertising from remote storage locations is not allowed. Administrative revocation procedures were added; if the city chooses to revoke a remote‑storage permit, the matter goes to City Council for revocation.
Commissioners asked how the amendment would affect local dealers and ongoing roadway projects. Commissioner Hamilton asked whether construction on the Buck Hill Road loop would force dealers to move parked inventory; staff said any relocation would require an amended permit showing the new storage location and that dealerships would be required to demonstrate compliance. Staff told the commission the change was developed with input from dealers including Luther Volkswagen and other local franchises; staff also said engineering and legal review were part of the update.
Commissioner Timmerman moved to approve the text amendment; Commissioner Hamilton seconded. The motion carried unanimously and the item will be presented to the City Council on July 22, 2025 for final action.
