Planning commission recommends conditional use for corner lot vehicle inventory, sends measure to city council

The Huntington Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that city council consider a conditional commercial use allowing a corner lot to house vehicle inventory for short periods, with conditions to reduce residential impacts.

The commission's discussion centered on whether inventory must be kept inside a building or behind a 6-foot, privacy-style fence. Planning staff explained the state inspector and sales-tax requirements for a dealership location and said the commission's proposal would allow vehicles to be housed outside only for short-term turnover. "Those vehicles are either housed inside a building or within a screen from residential view fence that meets the standards of 6 foot tall," the Chair (Speaker 1) said, describing the recommended conditions. The applicant (Speaker 5) told the panel they could place vehicles inside a building and said, "Then we can put the vehicles inside the building."

Commissioners said a 30-day limit on how long vehicles could be kept as inventory on the lot would help distinguish long-term storage from dealership turnover. Staff asked that the lot be registered for sales tax so any due tax can be reported and remitted.

Speaker 9 made the motion to forward the conditional-use recommendation to city council; Speaker 2 seconded. The motion carried and will be considered by city council at its next meeting; commissioners noted the applicant will need to appear before council for final approval.

The commission did not adopt a final permit at the meeting; city council will decide whether to approve the conditional use and any final permit conditions.

Next steps: the item will go before Huntington City Council for a decision at the next scheduled council meeting.