Junction City council approves rezoning to allow Dairy Queen rebuild and move drive‑through

The Junction City Council voted unanimously on May 14 to amend the comprehensive plan designation and zone map for three tax lots at 474 West Tenth (Bosland LLC) from commercial/residential to General Commercial (GC), clearing the way for the Dairy Queen owners to rebuild and relocate the drive‑through off the main highway.

Planner Profilio presented the staff report outlining the Type 4 rezone and plan designation amendment, noting the three tax lots total 0.26 acres, are adjacent to Highway 99 and surrounding commercial uses, and have no mapped wetlands or floodplain constraints. Profilio said staff and the Planning Commission found the change consistent with statewide planning goals and Junction City’s comprehensive plan; the Planning Commission held a public hearing on April 16 and recommended approval.

Applicant Chris Goldsmith, who with his brother owns the Dairy Queen, explained the goal: to remove the aging 1960s building, move the drive‑through to the back lot and build a modern store. "Our application for rezoning is the intent of moving the Dairy Queen off the main highway and moving into the back lot," Goldsmith said, adding the updated store would provide better working conditions and steady local employment for high‑school students.

After public testimony in support, councilor Hancock moved to adopt the ordinance and councilor Leach seconded. Attorney Conley read the ordinance on the record and the council voted to adopt it; the ordinance will take effect 30 days after enactment. Staff noted any future development will require standard development‑review approvals and must meet current code standards for public improvements.