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Supervisors ask staff to study allowing standalone tow yards and refer code change to planning commission
Summary
After hearing that the county code lacks a definition for standalone tow yards, the board directed staff to draft a referral to the planning commission to consider zoning amendments allowing standalone tow yards with appropriate conditions; proponents said the change would aid small-business startups and fairness with neighboring towns.
Montgomery County supervisors on Monday directed staff to send a referring resolution to the planning commission to study permitting standalone tow-yard operations in county zoning code.
Planning staff told the board the county currently does not define a "tow yard" and therefore does not allow standalone tow yards; existing practice permits tow services only as accessories to other uses such as automotive repair. "If it's not listed, therefore, you can't do it," staff said, explaining that the only immediate remedy is code revision or a conditional-use approach.
Supervisor King argued the change would support small-business development by allowing small operators to start with minimal facilities outside expensive town centers. "This is a way to get somebody started," King said, urging an approach that includes environmental safeguards. Several other supervisors signaled support and the board agreed to place a simple referring resolution on the June 22 agenda for the planning commission to study and provide recommendations.
Staff recommended the planning commission and staff examine code language, conditional-use conditions and possible environmental or operational standards, then return with a draft ordinance. No final zoning change was adopted; the action was a referral for study.
