Board approves limited automotive-sales use for Okoboji Boat Brokers property

The Dickinson County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve a Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation allowing Okoboji Boat Brokers to add automotive sales as a permitted principal use for its property.

Nathan, who presented the P&Z recommendation, said the change would allow “the sale or rental of automobiles, non-commercial trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, recreational vehicles, or boats, including incidental storage, maintenance, and servicing,” but noted the commission recommended narrow stipulations. The board approved limits that cap the permitted sales to automobiles, motorcycles and boats, restrict the business to two dealer license plates, prohibit establishment of an automotive sales lot on the property, and forbid on-site automotive maintenance or repair.

The presenter explained the request arose because the existing marine-services designation did not allow the business to obtain a used motor-vehicle dealer license at that location; adding automotive sales would let the business accept trade-in vehicles from boat purchasers while keeping operations limited. After a public hearing that drew no comments, a board member moved, a second was given and the item was adopted by unanimous vote. The chair said the change will be published and become official after the required 15-day publication period.