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Council directs staff to study limits on new gas stations after residents raise concerns
Summary
Staff reported 23 existing gas stations and eight entitled but not built; after public comment and council discussion, council directed staff to return with options including limiting two gas stations per intersection, a distance requirement, and a possible 200-foot residential setback.
City staff told the City of Paris council on April 28 that there are currently 23 operational gas stations within city limits and eight additional stations that have been approved but are not yet built — a total that would reach 31 once those projects are completed.
Raphael Garcia, principal planner, outlined zoning where gas stations are permitted and the results of a staff inventory: "There are a total of 23 existing gas stations throughout the city," he said, adding that eight have been approved but are not yet operational. Garcia summarized regulatory approaches other cities have used, including outright prohibitions, limits per intersection, minimum distances between stations (500–1,000 feet in some places), and setbacks from residential zones.
Public commenters urged limits. Tatiana Flores told the council she supported reducing or limiting gas stations and suggested repurposing some sites for other uses. Apostle Judge Terascina Terren Banks Jones urged the council to weigh public safety and community needs in decisions.
Council members discussed options and raised concerns about concentrations near freeway interchanges and near schools. Councilwoman Nava proposed limiting gas stations to two per intersection; Mayor Prom Corona and other members suggested also considering a 200-foot minimum setback from residential zones and reviewing alcohol-sale restrictions tied to licensing.
Council provided direction to staff to develop regulatory options that would include a two-per-intersection limit, distance requirements between stations, and consideration of residential setbacks and school proximities, and to return to planning commission and council with draft ordinance language for public hearings.
Next steps: staff will prepare options and draft code language for planning commission review and future council consideration.
