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Planning commission returns proposed Covenant Crossing zoning restriction to City Council after economic concern
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to deny a draft zoning text amendment that would prohibit smoke and vape shops and off-site alcohol sales in the Covenant Crossing Neighborhood Center Overlay Subdistrict, citing concerns it could discourage grocery stores or restaurants; existing licenses would have been grandfathered per staff.
The Forest Acres Planning Commission voted on Jan. 20 to deny a proposed amendment to Chapter 21 of the Unified Development Ordinance that would have prohibited smoke and vape shops and off-site sales of beer, wine and liquor in the Covenant Crossing Neighborhood Center Overlay Subdistrict.
City Administrator Shaun Greenwood told the commission the change was proposed following public input and noted that properties with current alcohol licenses or applications in progress would be grandfathered if the amendment advanced. Commissioners Marshall Minton and Ellis Creel expressed concern that a broad prohibition could deter grocery stores or restaurants from locating in the overlay. The commission discussed alternatives, including banning only off-site sales, allowing on-premise sales, or establishing minimum separation distances between uses.
After discussion, Marshall Minton moved to deny the amendment as written and return it to City Council for further consideration; Kristin Hudson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The denial returns the draft amendment to City Council for additional discussion; the minutes record that staff will transmit the item for further consideration.
