Council approves retail conditional use, zone changes and code updates including medical cannabis rules and stormwater edits

Washington City Council approved a package of land-use and code measures Wednesday, including a conditional use permit for a large retail store with fueling station, two zone-change ordinances, and code amendments to incorporate state medical cannabis rules and to update illicit-discharge language.

Conditional use permit (C-25-10): The council approved a conditional use permit for a proposed big-box retail building (166,000 square feet) with a seven-bay fueling station and a small kiosk at approximately 1720 East Grapevine Crossing. Community Development Director Eldon Gibb said the site is about 22.8 acres, will provide 665 parking spaces, and the 29-foot-tall building will use a combination of smooth and split-face concrete masonry unit (CMU), stucco and cultured rock on the façade. Applicant representative Spencer Hymas (Galloway, engineer) said the team worked with staff on aesthetics and access and plans to seek permits and begin construction as soon as approvals and permits are in hand; Mr. Hymas estimated 12–18 months from ground-breaking to completion once construction starts. The council approved the conditional use permit in a unanimous vote.

Zone changes: The council approved two zone-change ordinances that were recommended by the planning commission. Z‑25‑20 rezones a parcel at 820 South Country Way from RA‑1 (one-acre residential) to RA‑1/2…