Gonzales planning commission recommends zoning change to allow vehicle and storage yards in industrial district

The Gonzales City Planning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council amend Chapter 12.56 of the municipal code to allow new storage uses — such as RV and boat storage yards and related accessory caretaker or live‑work units — in parts of the city’s industrial district.

Planning staff said the amendment is intended to attract investment into underused industrial lots and provide a place for residents to store recreational vehicles and boats off public streets and driveways. "I recommend the planning commission adopt a resolution that recommends that the city council adopt an ordinance amending chapter 12.56," staff said during the presentation, describing the proposed edits to the zoning table and permitted uses.

Commissioners focused their questions on where facilities would locate, how to encourage residents to use them, and how the city would preserve neighboring residential character. Staff said the lots under consideration are generally in unpaved portions of the industrial district adjacent to rail and packing‑house facilities, and that design standards, landscaping and site plan requirements would be used to screen operations from public view.

Staff told the commission that some approvals would be handled administratively rather than returning to the planning commission, but that applicants would still be required to meet code standards for fencing, landscaping and hours of operation. The commission asked staff to provide periodic activity reports so elected commissioners could track development activity in the industrial district.

Concerns raised included whether residents would use a paid storage option instead of keeping RVs on the street or in driveways, and whether new uses could create traffic or nuisance issues. Staff repeatedly described the change as an economic‑development incentive and said they expect negligible traffic and environmental impacts if standard design and safety conditions are applied.

After discussion, the commission moved and approved a resolution to forward the zoning amendment recommendation to the City Council by voice vote; the planning commission’s action is advisory and the City Council will make the final decision on whether to adopt the ordinance.

The next step is for staff to place the proposed ordinance before the City Council for formal consideration.