Casper commission approves zone change at 711 East Collins for appliance service shop

The City of Casper Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to rezone 711 East Collins Drive from C‑2 General Business to C‑4 Highway Business, enabling the property owner to demolish the existing structure and build a service shop and warehouse for the appliance business.

Planning staff explained the zone change request and its relationship to the comprehensive plan. Staff said the city’s future land use map designates the site within a community center, an area intended for retail, service, office and multifamily uses, and cited municipal code guidance on zone change requests (section 17.12.1.70).

The applicant, Terry Letts, told the commission that his family business has outgrown its current service space and that the existing building (the former Tasty Freeze) has a failing foundation and is not repairable. Letts said he intends to demolish the structure and construct a service shop and warehouse to house appliance repair operations and parking for service trucks. He said he prefers a steel building if permitted but would consider a block building if necessary, and described the lot as long and narrow without final building dimensions determined.

Staff reported no public comments on the application and offered five exhibits (application, mailed public notices, legal notice, photo of posted notice, and staff memo). Commissioners asked the applicant clarifying questions about building type and size.

Commissioner Hutchison moved to approve the zone change application (ZOC‑822‑2025); Commissioner Hunter seconded. With all members voting aye, the motion carried. Staff said they would contact the applicant in the next few days to advise on next steps for demolition and building permits.