Commission backs special conditional use permit to reopen gas station at 922 S. Broadway

The La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend city council approve special conditional use permit SCUP20250024 to allow a gasoline station with convenience store to operate at 922 South Broadway.

Johnna Matthews of the Planning and Development Department told commissioners the property is about 0.3 acres, includes a 2,496-square-foot building with pumps and a canopy, and operated as a gas station since 1977. Matthews said changes in the municipal code effective Dec. 12, 2022, made gasoline stations in the general commercial district a use that requires a special conditional use permit if their nonconforming use is deemed abandoned. “According to city records, the use ceased operations on 02/15/2024,” Matthews said. “So in the case of nonconforming uses having been inoperable for over 6 months, approval of a special conditional use permit is required.”

Applicant Aga Ali, who said she leases the property through Solarize Management LLC and operates several stations, said she plans to invest in the site and comply with city requirements. “I own multiple gas stations over period of 15 years…we will adhere to it,” Ali said, noting she has experience operating branded and unbranded stations. Staff recommended conditions that include submitting a conforming site plan and building permits, maintaining LED lighting, requiring a screened refuse container if provided, and carrying forward an existing condition prohibiting the sale of e-cigarette and vape products.

Commissioners asked about the applicant’s timeline, whether the lease began after the February 2024 closure, and assurances on compliance; the applicant said she leased the property effective Jan. 1, 2025. After discussion the commission moved, seconded and voted to recommend approval to city council. The matter will advance to council with staff conditions.