Bay City planning panel approves limited used-vehicle sales at 1315 Columbus Ave

The Bay City Planning Commission on April 15 approved a special-use permit to allow a portion of the lot at 1315 Columbus Avenue to be used for used-vehicle sales, subject to conditions that include a limit on vehicles displayed and restrictions on servicing.

The vote followed a staff presentation by Terry Moltain and testimony from applicant James Owensby, who said he purchased the former Tuthills building to run multiple uses under one roof. Moltain told the commission that new and used motor-vehicle sales are permitted in the C-2A general business zoning district only with special-use approval under Article 16 of the city zoning regulations. Moltain also confirmed the rear lot contains about 14 parking spaces that will continue to serve the store and the staged vehicles.

Owensby described plans to operate a hybrid retail/wholesale business from the end unit, keep paperwork and titles on site to satisfy state licensing requirements, and limit customer-facing retail activity. He told commissioners he intends to stage a small number of vehicles in the rear lot and said he had discussed the plan with nearby business owners. "I would have no problem with that," Owensby said when asked whether he would accept a condition restricting vehicles on site to three.

Commissioners pressed on operations and neighborhood impacts: they confirmed there will be no on-site repairs or car washing, asked about signage and striping, and flagged sight-distance concerns where vegetation encroaches on the sidewalk. Moltain advised that existing sign cabinets may have their panels replaced with a permit but that new or larger signs must meet the sign code. He also said existing screening vegetation can meet landscape/screening requirements if it remains in good condition, but the commission asked Owensby to manage trimming to avoid sidewalk obstruction.

Commissioner Dennis Banacek moved to approve the special use, reading findings and typical site conditions recommended by staff and adding a condition that no more than three vehicles be staged for sale on the lot at any one time. The motion passed on a voice vote.

The approval includes standard permit conditions: compliance with the zoning standards for specific uses (staff cited Article 21, section 122.485), adherence to sign and parking codes, proper screening or fencing where required, and coordination with planning staff on any zoning or sight-line issues. The applicant will be required to obtain any necessary sign permits and to stripe the off-street parking as discussed.

With the approval, the commission closed the public hearing and moved to the next agenda item.