Commissioners seek clearer guidance from planning on class 2/3 auto licenses and special permits

Members of the Springfield City Licensing Commission on Feb. 12 said the commission office needs clearer guidance from Planning and Zoning when applicants seek class 2 or class 3 auto licenses, which can include junkyard activity and may be incompatible with certain zones.

Commissioners described a three-way email exchange involving licensing staff, Planning and Zoning and applicants that left licensing staff uncertain whether to place a class 3 license on the agenda where a special permit exists. One commissioner said the exchange left her “head spinning” and asked Planning and Zoning to clarify whether a given special permit authorizes junkyard activity at a location before the commission considers a class 3 license application.

The commission asked Phil Jerome to speak with Mike Yacom in Planning and Zoning and to ensure the clarification is communicated to licensing staff (Anthony or Alicia, and Edna was mentioned as having initiated an email). The aim is for staff to know what license class is appropriate to put on the agenda based on the special permit’s wording.

Commissioners also discussed the possible outcomes for a licensee whose current premises are not appropriate: asking for time to find a new Springfield location or surrendering the license. The meeting record states that the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) requires up to six months for a licensee to relocate; the transcript indicates that exceptions may be possible but did not provide a statutory citation.

No formal motion or vote was recorded on this item; commissioners directed staff and Planning and Zoning to coordinate and return clearer guidance to the commission office so future license applications are appropriately screened before placement on the agenda.