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Commission signals limits on car washes, debates auto sales and self‑storage in form‑based code
Summary
At a review of the form‑based code draft, South Burlington planning commissioners expressed opposition to new car washes in center‑city districts, debated whether auto dealerships and large outdoor vehicle storage should be allowed, and discussed prohibiting commercial self‑storage in first‑floor areas.
Commissioners at a South Burlington planning commission meeting discussed use‑table modifications in the Article 8/11B draft, including whether to allow auto sales, auto service, car washes and commercial self‑storage in the city’s form‑based districts.
A straw poll of commissioners found broad support for not allowing new car washes within the form‑based code area. Commissioners also debated how to treat auto sales and service: some members said a traditional car dealership with large outdoor vehicle lots does not belong in the form‑based districts and should be prohibited; others were open to allowing small interior showrooms provided the building conforms to form‑based frontage and facade rules and any vehicle display or storage is tightly limited.
Why it matters: allowing large outdoor vehicle inventory, vehicle service yards or commercial storage in core mixed‑use districts would occupy ground‑level frontage and parking area that commissioners said should be used for active retail, housing or pedestrian‑oriented amenities.
Key points discussed
- Car washes: Commissioners took an advisory straw poll and voiced opposition to allowing car washes in the form‑based code. Staff noted the form‑based regulations make conventional car‑wash placement difficult, but commissioners instructed staff to prepare code language to prevent these uses in the districts.
- Auto sales and service: The draft currently allows some auto‑related uses in certain districts provided they meet form standards; commissioners explored limiting outdoor inventory by specifying a small maximum number of spaces that could be dedicated to vehicle display or storage. Staff suggested options such as allowing a showroom function in a conforming building while limiting exterior vehicle storage to a low number of spaces.
- Commercial self‑storage: Commissioners said commercial self‑storage occupying first‑floor, street‑facing space behind parking lots is an undesirable use in city center. While the use exists under the current code in some approved projects, several commissioners recommended the draft prohibit new first‑floor commercial self‑storage and encourage storage be provided as an internal amenity for building residents (lockers or storage in parking garages).
Directions to staff
- Prepare recommended code language to prohibit car washes in form‑based districts and to define limitations on outdoor vehicle storage for auto showrooms or dealer uses. - Draft language to prohibit new commercial self‑storage as a street‑facing first‑floor commercial use in the city center and to clarify allowed resident storage options.
Ending
Staff will return with draft code language and definitions for auto‑related uses, car washes and storage, and commissioners said they expect a follow‑up discussion during the public circulation period.
