Des Moines C-store Regulations Pass First Round
DES MOINES -- An proposal that would add public hearings to the approval process for gas stations and convenience stores here passed the first of three readings before the City Council earlier this week, the Des Moines Register reported.
While proponents of the measure believe extra steps are necessary to shield residential areas from potentially negative effects, opponents from the convenience store industry -- including QuikTrip, Kum & Go, Hy-Vee and Git-N-Go -- have argued the plans are unfair and could hurt attempts to grow in the area.
Council members have made room for changes to the ordinance that were suggested by QuikTrip Corp.'s attorney Larry James Jr., the newspaper reported.
James said QuikTrip is "95 percent" supportive of the ordinance, but would like the council to reconsider language in the ordinance and change the amount of open space required on a site, depending on the number of pumps, the Register reported.
Currently, convenience store plans are reviewed and approved by city staff when zoning changes aren't required, according to the report. The proposal received unanimous support from the Plan and Zoning Commission last month, the report stated.
Council members are expected to discuss the proposed changes at an upcoming workshop, according to the report.
While proponents of the measure believe extra steps are necessary to shield residential areas from potentially negative effects, opponents from the convenience store industry -- including QuikTrip, Kum & Go, Hy-Vee and Git-N-Go -- have argued the plans are unfair and could hurt attempts to grow in the area.
Council members have made room for changes to the ordinance that were suggested by QuikTrip Corp.'s attorney Larry James Jr., the newspaper reported.
James said QuikTrip is "95 percent" supportive of the ordinance, but would like the council to reconsider language in the ordinance and change the amount of open space required on a site, depending on the number of pumps, the Register reported.
Currently, convenience store plans are reviewed and approved by city staff when zoning changes aren't required, according to the report. The proposal received unanimous support from the Plan and Zoning Commission last month, the report stated.
Council members are expected to discuss the proposed changes at an upcoming workshop, according to the report.