Council directs move to require special‑use permits for dance halls, smoke shops, packaged liquor stores and pawn shops in C1/C2 zones

Council discussed a proposed zoning amendment on April 14 that would change how several business types are permitted in neighborhood commercial (C1) and general commercial (C2) districts.

Staff said recent applications and complaints — notably overcrowding events at an existing strip‑mall event hall — prompted reexamination of permitted uses. Planning staff presented three options: make a use permitted, prohibited, or require a Special Use Permit (SUP). Requiring an SUP would allow the council and planning commission to consider each application publicly and impose conditions tied to occupancy, hours or security.

Council members expressed concern about locations where C2 abuts residential neighborhoods and said public‑safety, noise and trash had driven the conversation. One member recommended a cautious approach that preserves the city's ability to approve potentially valuable businesses while protecting neighborhoods. The council asked staff to prepare ordinance language moving dance halls/ballrooms, smoke shops (classified under "drug apothecaries and sundry" in the zoning table), package liquor stores and pawn shops from permitted status to SUP review in both C1 and C2.

Staff noted that businesses already operating would be grandfathered and that any change would not close existing operations unless ownership or occupancy changes. The council directed staff to prepare the required public‑hearing notices and proposed code language for future Planning & Zoning and council consideration.

Next steps: staff will draft ordinance language, include a map of affected C1/C2 areas, and schedule public hearings as required by state law.