The Committee on Ordinance approved a zoning change for property on Silver Lake Avenue from R‑3 (three‑family residential) to C‑3 (commercial), with a committee amendment and conditions that limit the lot’s permitted uses to vehicle repair and service and require screening and canopy tree coverage.

Deputy Director Robert Azar told the committee the site has operated as an auto‑repair facility without recognized commercial zoning and without an operating license, and that the City Plan Commission recommended approval conditioned on screening under section 12(o)(2)(AA) of the ordinance and canopy coverage requirements enforced by the city forester. Azar also said staff recommended adding a footnote to the zoning map limiting the use of the lot to vehicle repair and service if the council wished to prevent other C‑3 uses on the parcel.

Councilwoman Shelly Peterson moved to add the recommended footnote limiting the lot to vehicle repair and service; Councilman Oscar Vargas seconded. The committee approved the amendment and then approved the overall zone change as amended; staff asked that a zoning certificate demonstrating conformance be obtained prior to the zoning taking effect.

Key conditions and follow up

- The committee’s approval includes a requirement that the property be screened consistent with section 12(o)(2)(AA) of the zoning ordinance and meet canopy coverage requirements under the supervision of the city forester.

- Staff requested that the property receive a zoning certificate to document compliance before the zoning change takes effect.