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Commission postpones decision on Zarzamora auto-sales rezoning after neighbors complain about parking and outdoor work
Summary
A request to formalize automobile sales at Zarzamora Street drew substantial neighborhood opposition over vehicle storage, repairs and on‑street parking. The commission accepted a staff motion to postpone to allow the applicant to supply a complete site plan and to meet neighbors.
A property owner seeking a zoning amendment and a C-2 PCD (planned-commercial development) condition to authorize automobile sales on Zarzamora Avenue asked for approval; the commission postponed the matter to allow the applicant to return with a full site plan and to address neighbor concerns.
The applicant’s representative, José Luis Noriega, said the owner has operated sales on the site for many years under a nonconforming status and sought to remedy the property’s status by seeking formal rezoning and site improvements, including increased on‑site parking and an access lane. Neighbors testified that the owner currently stores vehicles on adjacent streets and in the alley, that outdoor mechanical work occurs on-site, and that parking and trash collection are affected. Several commenters asked for limits on outdoor work and stronger buffering and screening.
Commissioners and staff encouraged direct meetings between the property owner and neighbors and requested submission of a site plan that shows proposed vehicle display and service areas, dedicated parking, and perimeter screening. The commission voted to postpone the item for two weeks to permit the applicant to provide the requested documentation and to continue neighborhood engagement.
Why it matters: The case illustrates how longstanding nonconforming commercial uses can generate neighborhood friction when owners seek to formalize or expand operations; the commission used the postponement to require clearer site-level commitments rather than a final denial or approval.
Next steps: Applicant to provide a full site plan, clarify proposed on-site parking and loading arrangements, and meet with neighbors prior to the next zoning hearing.
