Commission initiates amendment to industrial zoning uses in M1 and M2, 5-0

The Westminster Planning Commission voted 5-0 to initiate a zoning code amendment to chapter 17.23 of the Westminster Municipal Code to update permitted and conditionally permitted uses in the city’s M1 and M2 industrial zones.

Staff told the commission the amendment is meant to clarify which manufacturing uses are allowed, to re-evaluate storage facilities that are currently permitted by right, and to correct typographical or legal inconsistencies in the use tables. “Wewant to protect our limited industrial base and make sure the uses that go in are fitting for the city and benefit the city,” a staff member told the commission.

The item will return to the planning commission for a full recommendation before it proceeds to city council. Staff said the next draft will show deleted and added text with strikeouts and highlights so commissioners can review specific changes. The commission voted to recommend adoption of a resolution of intention (Resolution 2025-011) initiating the amendment; roll-call on the motion was unanimous.

During discussion, commissioners asked whether the amendment would allow residential or mixed-use in industrial zones; staff responded the current effort is limited to cleaning up industrial uses and is not proposing residential. Staff also said any proposed changes will be reviewed for conformity with state law before a formal recommendation.

If approved by the planning commission and city council, the amendment would alter the cityode’s use table for M1 and M2 zones and would be followed by the standard public-notice and public-hearing process.