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Decatur council approves gasoline sales at Hwy 51 convenience store with 8‑foot masonry buffer
Summary
After hearing neighbor concerns about noise, light and truck maneuverability, Decatur council approved a specific-use permit allowing gasoline sales at a proposed Highway 51 convenience store, requiring an 8‑foot masonry buffer along the shared property line.
The Decatur City Council on May 11 approved a specific‑use permit authorizing gasoline sales at a proposed convenience store on a 0.55‑acre tract along Highway 51, adding a condition that the developer install an 8‑foot masonry buffer along the rear property line.
Planning Director Lisa Hannon told the council the convenience store use is permitted by right but "the gasoline sales is what, triggers the specific use permit." She said the application met statutory noticing requirements and that five property owners within 200 feet filed written opposition, which under city rules required a 75% council approval for the gasoline sales portion.
Neighbors at the meeting urged stricter buffering and limited hours. "Due to the close proximity of the convenience store to our homes, we ask the city to require a minimum of 10 feet tall fence constructed with durable noise reducing materials," resident Zionja Hernandez said, adding that a standard 6‑foot wooden fence would not adequately protect the neighborhood.
The applicant's engineer, Robin Casey, said the developer had revised plans and could meet an 8‑foot wall standard: "We can go up to 8 feet," Casey said and offered masonry and landscape buffering to address noise and light concerns.
Council members debated hours of fuel sales, fence height and material. After an initial motion to limit fuel sales hours failed to survive a substitute, the council adopted a substitute motion to approve the SUP without hour restrictions and to require an 8‑foot masonry fence to mitigate impacts. A council member read the motion as moved by Amanda Cross and seconded by (Miss) Reeves; the motion passed on a council voice vote.
The ordinance approval allows gasoline sales to proceed; building permits and civil plan review remain required before construction can begin. Staff said the replat and other development approvals were previously granted and that building permits must meet city development standards, including lighting, spill prevention, buffering and landscaping.
Councilmembers and staff said they expect the buffer requirement to be enforced at permit review. The planning staff and the applicant agreed to coordinate final fence materials and landscape screening at the building‑permit stage.
