Restrictive building codes make it hard for businesses to thrive in the Pacific Ridge area, Des Moines lawmakers were told at their Sept. 10 meeting.
Concerns about auto repair zoning are once again resurfacing and the council is still divided on what direction to take.
The issue at hand is whether or not one or more general automotive business can open within a multi-tenant building.
The zoning code for the Pacific Ridge area allows for a maximum of three auto repair shops. It does not stipulate if two businesses in the same building count as one or as two.
Concerns about the restrictive coding were brought to the city by Roy Dunn, an auto repair shop owner, last winter when, due to the wording of city code, he was unable to lease out parts his building to other auto repair businesses.
When Dunn built his auto repair shop, a mechanic who worked there leased out part of the building. When the mechanic moved on, Dunn was unable to lease out that part to anyone, although he had plenty of applicants.
"Once they moved out, they wouldn't let anyone move in," Dunn said. "The city's vision for the Pacific Ridge area is one full of high rises and well-to-do citizens drinking lattes and walking Chihuahuas."
The building code stipulates that no new buildings can be built unless they are at least three stories high and no drive-thru's are allowed.
Some council members hinted at grandfathering in the three current auto repair shops on Pacific Highway South until they close and not allowing any more repair shops to be set up there.
Dunn went to the council to ask if the wording in the code could be altered so he could lease out part of his building.
A revised copy of the code was aired at a public hearing during the council session.
Some council members were upset with the code.
"The process stinks," said Mayor Pro Tem Dan Sherman. "Maybe we should be encouraging business. Businesses will bring in money without bringing in the costs."
The draft for the new code went back to staff for revision. The public hearing will continue on Oct. 22.
