Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Text Amendment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission recommends zoning text amendment to allow select drive-through and commercial uses in industrial zones
Summary
Planning staff proposed and the commission recommended to council a text amendment that would allow specified drive-through, retail and service uses in parts of industrial zones to improve reuse opportunities for underdeveloped parcels, particularly near the airport and southeast development areas.
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend a text amendment to the land development code that would broaden allowed uses in certain industrial zones to include specific drive-through and drive-up facilities and other non-intensive commercial uses.
Planning staff explained that the amendment would modify the city’s table of allowed uses (land development code section 157086-2) to permit some restaurants (including drive-throughs), financial institutions with ATMs, hotels/motels and personal-service establishments in industrial areas where current rules are restrictive. Staff said industrial areas in the city have changed and that limited, conditional commercial uses could make underutilized parcels—especially those near the airport and in the southeast zone—more marketable.
Commissioners generally praised the planning department’s approach as “well thought out” and suggested some uses remain conditional so the commission could hold hearings when appropriate. A commissioner noted that conditional uses would be suitable for the types of businesses that might require hearing-level review. After discussion, the commission moved to recommend the amendment as drafted and approved the motion by roll call.
Why it matters: The change would expand permitted uses in parts of industrial zones, potentially accelerating redevelopment of vacant or underused parcels near transportation hubs. Final adoption requires city council approval and any conditional-use permitting provisions would still allow case-by-case scrutiny.
Next steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to city council; if council approves, the Planning Department will update zoning tables and communicate application requirements for any businesses seeking to use industrial parcels for newly allowed activities.
