Planning commission backs code change to allow standalone used-car dealerships by special-use permit

The Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve amendments to Chapter 125, Article 3 and Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances to permit standalone used-car sales in general commercial districts by special-use permit.

Mark Langeblatt explained the amendment, which is cosponsored by two council members, would strike the current limitation that allows used-car sales only as an accessory to new-car dealerships and would instead define used-car sales as its own use type that requires a special-use permit in the general commercial zoning district. “What is being proposed is... striking some language with regards to the new car dealerships to allow for used car dealerships as their own use and that the only allowance would be with a special use permit in the general commercial zoning district,” Langeblatt said.

Staff clarified the change would allow existing nonconforming used-car dealerships an avenue to expand and would enable new standalone used-car dealerships to seek approval, but both would require a special-use permit and City Council final action. “This just allows some additional flexibility... so they would still have to go through the approval process but it would give them the ability to at least ask to be able to expand,” a staff member explained.

After questions about how the current language limited expansion, a commissioner moved to recommend approval of the amendments; the motion was seconded and carried. The commission’s recommendation will go to City Council for final consideration.