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Council adopts zoning text amendment to define and regulate virtual auto sales in warehouse-industrial areas
Summary
City approved a staff-initiated text amendment to add a definition and supplementary regulations for 'virtual auto sales,' allow the use in warehouse-industrial zones and adjust rear-yard setbacks in specific districts.
The City Council on April 28 approved a text amendment to the zoning code that defines "virtual auto sales" and adds supplementary use regulations for that activity in the warehouse-industrial zoning district.
Planning staff presented the city-initiated amendment, describing a new definition for virtual auto sales (primarily online vehicle sales with limited physical display or office space), supplementary regulations that require indoor operations only, prohibit exterior vehicle storage or staging, and prohibit ancillary repair or retail sales on-site. Bethany Grubbs of planning staff said the proposed use is intended to accommodate niche online dealers and specialty restorers who operate from enclosed facilities and sell primarily through online platforms.
The amendment also proposes reduced rear-yard setbacks (from 25 feet to 10 feet) in specified zoning districts except where the property abuts residential future land use or a public right-of-way. Grubbs said the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval on April 1 and staff recommended council adoption.
Council members asked clarifying questions about how vehicles would be unloaded and staged at industrial properties; staff and the applicant said most modern warehouse properties have loading zones and that the ordinance is tailored to prevent large outdoor vehicle lots and protect neighboring businesses.
The council voted to approve Ordinance 25-24. Staff said final site plan reviews and parking/loading arrangements will be handled at the site-plan stage to ensure compliance with the new indoor-operation and loading requirements.
