Businesses in the C1 core commercial district might soon be allowed to sell vehicles if the current zoning bylaw is amended.
Council approved the motion to begin preparations as a result of a request made by Wade Klee, owner of Cash's Car and Truck Wash. With the amendment, business owners who want to sell vehicles can apply for a discretionary use option.
"I asked for this property to be rezoned last year, but the city planner didn't recommend it because they considered this the downtown core," said Klee. "I could have still asked for it, but I didn't."
The property where Klee's car wash is located on Main Street was zoned as a C2-Commerical Medium Density before 2008. After the zoning changes, the car wash was allowed to stay because of its prior existence, despite its non-conforming use within the zone. The zone is situated on Main Street between 4th Avenue and 2nd Avenue.
"If the bylaw is amended, any business in the C1 zone who wishes to have auto sales can ask for a discretionary use option," said Sandra Pauli, city clerk for the City of Humboldt.
According to Pauli, in order for the bylaw to be amended, it must first go through a public process, which would involve the first reading of the bylaw change and a public hearing. The proposed change would have to be advertised, and depending on the public response, it would go through a third and fourth reading.
"This is an automotive area," said Klee. "You have Chrysler down the road and a gas station across the street. (My selling cars) wouldn't look out of place."
Klee is not asking the city to be allowed to sell auto services, just the vehicles. He plans to allow room for about 10 vehicles alongside the north fence so that it wouldn't get in the way of traffic flow.
"I don't want to congest it, vehicles would still be able to get out through both exits," said Klee.
Klee also said that people can still park their cars on his property when they come to pick up their kids from the school.
Moreover, Klee asked the city to consider the fact that he is the last business in the south end of the C1 Zone and in the middle of an automotive area. By allowing him the discretionary use option, Klee would be able to bring more business into the city.
"We could bring more people into town," said Klee. "After coming to purchase a car from me, they could go fill up on gas, go eat a sub, or go straight to Conexus for car insurance. We would be creating business."
Many people have already asked Klee if they could sell their vehicles to him or park their vehicles on his property while they sell it.
"I don't want car parts lying around, I'm not trying to make a mess," said Klee. "I'm just happy the city is willing to work with us."
Currently, Klee's car wash business only provides self-serve and full-serve car washes, detailing service and some freebies, such as wash mitts and drying towels. They also recently added an air hose, free of charge for customers.
He owns the business with three other people: his wife, Lisa Klee, Nevin LeRoux and his wife, Stacey LeRoux.
