Commission continues work on proposed light-commercial zoning; tables for work session

Commissioners reviewed a draft light commercial zone intended for use on parcels adjacent to single-family residential areas and arterial roads. Staff described the zone’s purpose as a lower-impact commercial alternative to General Commercial for locations such as areas south of a Walmart identified in the packet.

The draft included a detailed permitted-use list, minimum lot standards (including 30-foot side and rear setbacks), a one-story building-height cap, and enhanced buffering requirements. Commissioners questioned several permitted uses — including gas stations, convenience stores, and “flex” industrial space — and suggested edits (for example, prohibiting gas stations and removing family food-production references where residential uses are not allowed). Commissioners also discussed requiring concrete fences and stronger landscape buffers at residential interfaces and suggested using the term "vehicle" rather than "car" in lighting and headlight-screening requirements.

After commissioners proposed edits and clarifications, the commission voted to table the item and continue work at a future work session so staff can incorporate the suggested changes and bring the draft back for public hearing and formal recommendation to City Council.