Josephine commission recommends site‑plan waiver to protect existing automotive businesses
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Summary
The commission recommended approval of a city-initiated amendment (CA25-0004) to Chapter 14 to allow waiving a site-plan requirement when a change in the use chart forces an existing use to require a specific use permit, aiming to protect three existing properties including two gas stations and an auto shop.
The City of Josephine Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 15 voted to recommend approval of a city-initiated ordinance change (case CA25-0004) that would allow the city to waive the separate site-plan requirement when a specific use permit (SUP) is required for an existing use that becomes newly regulated in the zoning chart.
Staff explained the amendment was prompted by a proposed change to the use chart that would remove certain automotive-related uses (for economic-development reasons favoring retail and restaurants). Staff told the commission this would affect three existing properties — two gas stations and an auto mechanic shop — and could impose an "undue burden" if those businesses were required to produce a new site plan to obtain an SUP. "Given that the mechanic shop and some of these gas stations were in before site plans were formally required, this is an undue burden on these existing businesses," staff said, arguing a waiver would protect those businesses while the SUP process proceeds.
No members of the public offered written opposition or support on the record. A commissioner moved to recommend approval and the motion was seconded; the commission approved the recommendation by voice vote.
The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for action under the city’s ordinance-amendment process.
