The Clearwater Planning and Zoning Commission is considering modifying its zoning ordinance regarding commercial districts in the city.
Tuesday, the commission had a 35-minute discussion about “cleaning up” the language that describes the different types of commercial businesses allowed in different zoning designations.
The ordinance currently lists four separate commercial zones: C-1, C-2, C-3, which is also known as the Old Town District, and C-4. However, the city’s zoning map only shows the Old Town District and C-4.
The Old Town District is located along a three-block stretch of Main Street where business were located many years ago. It allows some commercial and residential.
The C-4 district is located along parts of Co. Rd. 75, Hwy. 24 and in the area of the shopping plaza.
Zoning Administrator Deb Petty said there are no C-1 or C-2 districts on the map, which can be confusing if a business owner is considering locating in Clearwater. She said in the current zoning ordinance, all C-1 and C-2 businesses are included in a C-4.
“Why do we even have C-1 and C-2 (in the ordinance) if we’ve never had it on our map,” she asked. “It might be simpler to have one or two commercial districts.”
The purpose of the C-1 district is for highway-related businesses for motor vehicle oriented activities. Some businesses allowed in that district include amusement centers, auto accessory stores, laundromats, liquor stores, motels, hotels and banks.
C-2 is a community commercial district for areas devoted to high-intensity retail and service activities, like antique shops, office supplies, clothing sales, furniture stores, hardware stores and professional offices like attorneys and accounting.
C-3, the Old Town District, allows commercial businesses that preserve and enhance the city’s historic area. But it allows many of the same businesses as in C-1 and C-2.
C-4, a general commercial district, allows any businesses permitted in C-1 and C-2.
Petty said the ordinance hasn’t been updated since at least 2005, and is outdated. Commission Member Bob Watson said newer type businesses, like telecommunications, aren’t even addressed in the language.
“That’s one of the things we have to look at,” said Petty.
Council liaison Kris Crandall said he thought simplifying the language would be a good idea.
“Since we don’t have any C-1 and C-2, should we just have a C-4?” he asked.
“It doesn’t even have to be numbered if you have just one commercial district,” said Petty. “It think it would make it easier, instead of looking through the list of businesses in C-1 and C-2.”
Phelps said the commission should look through the current language line by line.
“We need to make sure we’re not going to remove something that we want in there or put something in that we don’t want.”
Crandall suggested looking at the language other cities use.
“I would be comfortable with that, “said Commission Member Betty Moffitt.
The group decided to research how the cities of Annandale, Cokato and Becker designate their commercial districts.
Petty said she would have the information for discussion at the next planning meeting in May.
