The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of a city-initiated amendment to the land‑use chart that would remove several automotive-related uses from the list of by‑right uses in the General Commercial zoning district and require those activities to obtain a specific-use permit.

Staff said the change aims to limit a proliferation of service stations and similar automotive uses in order to preserve commercial parcels for restaurants and retail that generate sales and property tax revenue. Staff identified four properties in the city that would be affected by the proposed change: two existing gas stations, a proposed gas-station site and a separately owned auto repair business. If the ordinance is adopted, those existing businesses would become legal nonconforming uses and could remain in place; staff said they are consulting the city attorney to ensure property‑owner rights are protected.

One property owner, who identified himself as Firoz and said he represents three owners, told the commission he was concerned about whether a damaged or destroyed building could be rebuilt under new rules. "If joining it changed and if he's grandfathered in, if something happened to the building, I will have limited opportunity to rebuild it, or I may not be, get permission to rebuild it. That was my main concern," he said. Staff responded that they will work with the city attorney to draft ordinance language that protects property‑owner rights consistent with state and local law.

Staff recommended approval of the use‑chart amendment; a commission motion to recommend the amendment carried by voice vote. Staff said the amendment will be transmitted to City Council and that, if legal issues remain unresolved, they may request the council to table the matter to ensure existing users’ rights are preserved.

The change would mean future automotive uses proposed in the commercial zoning district would require a specific‑use permit, allowing the commission and council to consider compatibility and location during permit review instead of allowing those uses by right.