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Fenton aldermen approve zoning changes to allow automobile service facilities and truck terminals, add data-center definition
Summary
On April 23 the Fenton Board of Aldermen adopted amendments to the zoning code to permit automobile commercial motor vehicle service facilities in BP-3, allow truck terminals in BP-2 by special use permit, and to add a definition for "data center." Proponents said the changes align uses with similar districts; all three bills passed by roll call.
The City of Fenton Board of Aldermen on April 23 approved a set of zoning-code amendments that expand and clarify industrial and business-park uses, including new provisions to permit automobile commercial motor vehicle service facilities in the BP‑3 Business Park District, to allow truck terminals in BP‑2 by special use permit, and to add a definition for "data center."
The amendments stemmed from Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations and petitions filed by local businesses. Alderman Ron Harrell, the board's Planning & Zoning liaison, opened the public hearing and said the commission found the proposed uses compatible with the purpose of the business‑park districts.
Representatives for the applicants described the projects to the board. Patrick Hensley of Hensley Construction, speaking for Seiko Auto Limited Partnership, said he was "here representing Seiko Auto" and offered to answer questions about the firm’s petition to amend the code to allow automobile‑service uses (2026TXT01). Cam Duff of Canal Properties, representing Scannell Properties LLC, described the proposed truck‑terminal use (2026TXT02) and said a prior presentation and materials were available for review.
During discussion Alderman Rogers raised an operational concern about the vehicle‑service definition and electric vehicles, noting it "doesn't really mention anything relating to electric vehicle" service such as battery changes and asked whether the code text should explicitly address those activities. Board members said the current definition contains broad vehicle‑service language but welcomed the comment for future refinement.
Each ordinance was taken up by the city attorney and advanced under a waiver of rules. On second reading the council voted to enact the measures: bill 26‑21 (automobile commercial motor vehicle service facility) became ordinance 46‑31, bill 26‑22 (truck terminal use in BP‑2) became ordinance 46‑32, and bill 26‑23 (data center definition) became ordinance 46‑33. Roll-call votes recorded affirmative votes by the full board present; motions carried.
Why it matters: The changes update the city's land‑use rules to allow certain commercial and industrial activities in business‑park districts. Supporters said the amendments bring consistency with similar districts and make it easier for local employers and developers to obtain permits; critics and at least one alderman flagged the need to confirm the language covers electric‑vehicle maintenance.
The ordinances take effect according to the normal publication and codification process; related special‑use permit applications will follow the permitting process described in city code.
