Board of Zoning Appeals approves one‑year trial allowing monthly auto auctions at 125 W. Lewis & Clark

The Clarksville Board of Zoning Appeals approved a temporary use variance for V260006 that will allow auto auctions at 125 West Lewis and Clark on a trial basis, subject to conditions and a one‑year review starting from the date of the first auction.

Staff described the request as a use variance because auto auctions are not permitted in the property’s B2 zoning. The staff report noted Clarksville police raised concerns about hours, customer volume and frequency and flagged outstanding questions about how long auction vehicles would remain on the lot and whether they would be operable. Staff recommended limiting auctions to once per month during regular business hours, requiring all auction vehicles to be operable and setting a time limit on on‑site storage, and making the variance temporary (6–12 months) so the board could review the use in practice.

John Craft, an attorney representing the applicant, said the request stems partly from state licensing requirements and asked the board to allow the applicant to try auctions for a year and then report back. “We’re asking for that one year period to start with the first auction,” Craft said, noting the applicant had supplied written responses to staff questions.

The applicant, James Butner, who spoke as the applicant for the business, described how auctions would be run and how long vehicles would typically remain on site. “We’re not gonna put junk and let cars sit out there,” Butner said, adding that he intends to have buyers remove purchased vehicles quickly and would limit events to a few hours on auction days.

Neighbor Bob Peters, who identified himself with Clarksville Schwinn, addressed property‑value concerns and said he did not oppose the request. Staff and board members discussed whether a shorter or longer temporary period (6, 9 or 12 months) would give sufficient time to evaluate impacts; several board members said a 12‑month review beginning at the first auction would provide a clear sample of operations.

A board member moved to approve the variance with the conditions described in the staff report and the commitments offered by the applicant; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. Staff said written findings based on the hearing would be prepared and the variance would return for review at the end of the temporary period or could be extended or allowed to expire consistent with past practice.

What happens next: The applicant will notify staff before the first auction; the one‑year trial period will run from that date, and the board or staff will review complaints and decide whether to extend, modify or let the variance expire at that time.