Fraser planning commission forwards 20-foot-candle limit for gas-station canopies to city council

The Fraser Planning Commission voted Nov. 5 to forward a zoning text amendment to City Council that would add definitions for gasoline station canopies and set a 20-foot-candle maximum illumination level for canopy lighting.

Lauren, a staff planner, said the amendment adds definitions for "gasoline self-service station canopy" and "gasoline service station canopy" and "functionally the only thing that changes is ... making the maximum illumination level 20 foot candles for gasoline canopies." She told the commission the change responds to a council request made in May to update the town's lighting standards.

The public hearing drew no speakers. Staff told commissioners the council had voted only to initiate the amendment process and that the planning commission's recommendation will return to council for formal consideration.

An unnamed commissioner moved to forward the revision to section 32-86.6 of the zoning ordinance and to add the canopy definitions in section 32-3. Commissioner Farina voiced support; commissioners then conducted a roll-call recommendation vote. Commissioners Barr, Czarnecki, Farina, Kyle, Meyer and Ornecht voted yes; one member was recorded absent. The motion passed and the item will be scheduled for council action.

The commission discussed consistency with neighboring communities during the meeting and staff said other nearby jurisdictions use similar ranges (often 15–20 foot-candles). The amendment, if adopted by council, will change only the canopy-illumination standard and add the two definitions; staff said other lighting provisions in the code remain unchanged.

Next steps: the planning commission's recommendation will be transmitted to Fraser City Council for a formal public hearing and final action.