Lansing board backs removing 1-acre lot-size requirement for auto sales to accommodate internet-based dealers

The Village of Lansing Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously on Jan. 28, 2026 to recommend that the Village Board approve a text amendment to Section 56-289(n) of the Lansing Zoning Ordinance to remove the one-acre lot-size requirement for automobile sales and rentals.

Village Planner Maura Rigoni told the board the change is intended to address inquiries from "non-traditional" automobile sellers whose operations are primarily internet-based or appointment-only and therefore do not need a showroom or large outdoor display space. "The proposed amendment to the ordinance would eliminate the one acre requirement," she said, while noting that any such business would still require special‑use approval and site review.

In a written Findings of Fact the PZBA concluded the amendment aligns with the village comprehensive plan and the zoning chapter's purposes, would permit e-commerce auto sales without creating nonconformities, and preserves the board's ability to review traditional sales uses through the special-use process. The board's recommendation was recorded as a 9-0 vote and will be forwarded to the Lansing Village Board for final action.

If approved by the Village Board, the amendment would permit appointment- or internet-based automobile dealers to locate in business districts where they can meet the conditions of a special use without meeting the prior one-acre lot-size threshold. The Village will continue to apply special‑use standards to address site design, traffic and other operational impacts.