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Lincoln Park adopts temporary moratorium on new used-car lots and vehicle washes
Summary
Council gave final reading to an ordinance suspending approval of new used-vehicle outdoor sales lots and automobile/vehicle wash establishments until Nov. 26, 2026, exempting lawful expansions of existing lots; councilman Zor voted no.
Lincoln Park’s City Council on June 8 adopted an ordinance placing a temporary moratorium on approvals for new used-vehicle outdoor sales lots and automobile/vehicle wash establishments.
The ordinance amends chapters of the codified ordinances (sections cited during the meeting) to suspend provisions that allow new vehicle wash businesses and new used-vehicle outdoor sales lots until Nov. 26, 2026, or until the council amends or repeals the moratorium. The moratorium explicitly does not prohibit lawful expansion of existing used-vehicle sales lots.
Councilmembers asked legal and planning questions during the third reading about how long a moratorium may legally remain in place and whether loopholes exist to permit activity during the suspension. The city attorney responded that a moratorium must be reasonable in duration and purpose; 90 days or another reasonable timeframe is typical, while a multi-year moratorium risks being struck down if it effectively prevents development without appropriate zoning action.
On roll call the ordinance passed with a majority in favor; Councilmember Zor recorded a no vote. Council discussed follow-up planning and said the moratorium provides time to consider zoning changes and master-plan alignment.
