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Planning commission backs rezoning at 529 North Walnut to allow Pinky Toes tow yard
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Summary
The Augusta Planning Commission recommended rezoning 529 North Walnut from C-3 to I-1 to permit a tow yard operated by Pinky Toes (case 2026-01). Staff said the site fits surrounding commercial/industrial uses and noted towing operations that the city says save police time; the motion carried and will go to City Council on April 6.
The Augusta Planning Commission voted to recommend rezoning 529 North Walnut from C-3 General Commercial to I-1 Light Industrial to allow a tow yard operated by Pinky Toes.
Planning staff told the commission the 0.54-acre parcel would be consistent with the surrounding commercial and industrial corridor and recommended approval. "The applicant has requested to rezone the property at 529 North Walnut from C-3 General Commercial to I-1 Industrial," staff said, describing the site as 23,360 square feet and noting the property's lot dimensions and proximity to existing industrial uses.
Staff described the proposed operation as a tow yard for Pinky Toes, saying the business "intends to store up to 5 impounded vehicles outdoors in a screened area with up to 2 vehicles stored indoors" and that the operator would run three tow trucks with an estimated average daily traffic flow of roughly 10 vehicles. Staff also said Augusta Public Safety uses Pinky Toes on its rotation and that using a local yard "allows APS and its officers to save roughly 2 to 3 hours per call out when compared to utilizing an out-of-town tow yard." Commissioners asked staff why another section of the report referenced a higher outdoor count; staff acknowledged the inconsistency and commissioners pressed the applicant for clarification.
Caleb McElroy, who identified himself at the podium as the owner of Pinky Toes, described on-site operations and site upkeep. "We had the windstorms that came through...so we worked on repairing the fence. We've got the fence back up, and we are working on keeping that screening tied to the fence," McElroy said, adding the impound area is locked and customers are not permitted inside the impound zone.
After reading the required findings of fact on character of the neighborhood, consistency with the comprehensive plan, utilities and roadway adequacy, and public input, Commissioner (S7) moved to approve case 2026-01, a second was recorded, and the commission voted in favor; the chair announced, "Motion carries." The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Augusta City Council for consideration on April 6, 2026 at 7 p.m. (The transcript records an "Aye" vote but does not provide an individual named roll-call or a numeric tally.)
What happens next: City Council will consider the rezoning at its April meeting. Staff and the applicant said the operation has already been functioning on-site since early January; the council packet will include the planning commission minutes and staff report.
