Council adopts zoning-code additions for drive‑throughs, outdoor sales and outdoor storage

Milton City Council on July 6 adopted Ordinance 21-43-26 to add subsections defining outdoor storage, outdoor sales and drive-through facilities to Chapter 17.44 and to amend the code section on animal shelters, kennels and pet shops. Planning manager Angelie Stahlnecker described the changes as clarification of accessory commercial uses and said the rules apply specifically to commercial zones such as town-center mixed use, urban mixed use, neighborhood commercial and light-manufacturing (M-1).

"Drive through means land and associated structures designed to allow patrons to receive goods or services remaining in a motorized vehicle," Stahlnecker said as she summarized the definitions and the limited zones where each accessory use would be allowed. Council members raised one clarification about temporary-sales wording; staff offered alternate language that would limit temporary sales to 72 hours or less and less than 100 square feet for seasonal items. After brief council discussion the ordinance was adopted unanimously.

The ordinance also amends the code's references to the municipality's animal-control chapter so the zoning table refers to chapter 6.04 (animal control) rather than to an external code. Council members said the change helps align the municipal use table with the city's consolidated code. The action was taken as an agenda item for action and the motion passed with no opposing votes.