Planning commission recommends stricter rules for gas stations, car washes and auto service uses

The Pontiac Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a city‑initiated zoning text amendment that creates separate rules for gas stations, auto service (mechanics and tire shops) and car washes and sets new location, buffering and operational requirements for those uses.

Planning staff presented the proposal as a response to a July moratorium City Council placed on new automobile services while staff studied whether the zoning code provided adequate protections for nearby residents. Mark Yandrick, who presented the draft, said staff had reviewed other cities’ codes and borrowed elements from Royal Oak’s approach: “We were getting a lot of applications … it was really based on citizen concerns focused on health, safety, and welfare of the properties located within the vicinity,” he said.

Key provisions recommended by…