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Lakewood tightens rules for new gas stations and car washes, requires EV infrastructure in new builds
Summary
Council adopted ordinance restricting locations where new fueling stations and car washes may be built, setting minimum distances from existing stations and residential parcels and requiring EV chargers at new fueling sites; measure passed unanimously.
Lakewood City Council on Jan. 13 approved new rules that restrict where fueling stations and car washes can be built and add requirements for electric vehicle chargers at new fueling sites.
The ordinance, adopted on second reading by a unanimous 9-0 vote, narrows zoning where new stations are permitted, sets minimum separation from existing fueling stations, and creates buffer limits between new stations and residential parcels. City staff told the council that existing stations may change ownership without triggering the ordinance, but a full demolition and rebuild would require compliance with the new rules.
Planning staff emphasized that the measure is intended to limit “fuel-station sprawl” and reduce localized sources of air pollution that affect neighborhoods. Paul Rice, planning manager, told the council that the planning commission conducted multiple public hearings and that the commission supports the draft before council.
Craig Romero, speaking for Kwik Trip, said the ordinance goes "too far toward an outright ban for new gas stations" and warned about higher local retail fuel prices if competition is restricted. Several speakers, including resident Brad Bruce, urged the city to limit new stations and praised the ordinance’s requirement that new sites include chargers for electric vehicles.
Council members described the ordinance as a measured, incremental tool that supports regional air‑quality goals and the city’s sustainability objectives. Councilor Isabelle LaBeur called it a step toward limiting new point sources of emissions and said the city should proceed while monitoring for unintended consequences.
Staff clarified key application rules: existing stations are not required to relocate, and a change of operator (brand) at an existing station is permitted; however, a complete teardown and rebuild would need to comply with the ordinance’s siting and design requirements.
The ordinance passed 9-0 on second and final reading. Councilors said they would evaluate the rule's effects and revisit the policy if unintended problems arise.
