Lakewood approves new rules limiting locations for fuel stations, adding EV chargers and zoning limits for car washes

Lakewood City Council adopted Ordinance O-2024-34 on Jan. 13 to amend Title 17, Article 4, Section 3, adding revised supplemental standards for car washes and fueling stations.

Planning staff and the planning commission presented the draft ordinance; the planning commission had held three public hearings before forwarding a recommendation. The ordinance restricts locations where new fuel stations and car washes may be built, sets minimum separation distances from existing fueling stations, and requires EV charging infrastructure for new fueling facilities. Councilors framed the change as an effort to limit additional point sources of pollution, reduce cumulative air-quality impacts and encourage electric-vehicle infrastructure.

A representative from Kwik Trip opposed aspects of the proposal, warning that strict limits on new fueling stations can reduce competition and raise prices, and urging the council not to foreclose opportunities for high-quality new investment. Other public commenters urged the council to adopt strict limits on new stations and car washes to protect neighborhood health and reduce emissions. Councilors asked staff how the rules would apply to existing stations changing operators and to redevelopment of existing sites; staff said operator changes would be allowed while significant site rebuilds would trigger compliance with the new rules.

Council adopted the ordinance on second and final reading with a recorded vote of 9-0. Under the ordinance, existing fueling stations are grandfathered, but new builds after the ordinance's effective date must comply with the updated standards. Councilors said they will monitor impacts and revisit the rules if necessary.