07.01 - Conditional Use Permit Application for Auto Rental in the Commercial Zone - by Doty Auto Company

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\... June 28,2004 Mayor and City Council City of Pequot Lakes P.O. Box 361 Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 Re: Planning and Zoning Administrator's Report Dear Mayor and City Council, The Planning Commission met for their regularly scheduled June meeting where they held five public hearings. The Planning Commission is forwarding you the following recommendation for your consideration: 1. Conditional Use Application for Auto Rental in the Commercial Zone, Dotty Auto Company,Joe Dotty. Dotty Auto Company seeks to expand its business to include vehicle rental and add a service department to its existing motor vehicle sales. An automobile service business requires a conditional use permit. The existing zoning code does not directly provide for an automobile rental business, but the Planning Commission interpreted the Ordinance to allow that use as part of the service and sales business. The Planning Commission is recommending that you approve the conditional use permit based off of the following findings of fact: 1. The property is located near downtown Pequot Lakes with direct access to Highway 371. The access points will not change with the expanded use. 2. The current site is used for automobile sales,which is a conditional use in the commercial zone. 3. The proposed automobile repair use is consistent with the objectives of the Ordinance, which provides for automotive repair facilities as a conditional use in the commercial zone. 4. The proposed automobile rental service is not directly listed as an approved use in any zone,but is an essential component of a modern automobile repair facility. 5. The neighboring parcels are also used for commercial uses. The north side of the property is adjacent to a rental storage company, and the south side of the property is a car wash. 6. There are no proposed alterations to the landscape,percent of impervious surface, or the building. Space in the existing building will be used for the service center. The parking spaces already on site will be used for the rental portion of the business. The character of the existing lot or surrounding lots will not change with the proposed additional uses.