Apple Valley amends zoning code to remove certain on‑sale alcohol uses in Retail Business district, waives second reading

The Apple Valley City Council on Feb. 26 adopted a zoning text amendment to streamline alcohol regulation in the city’s Retail Business zoning district, removing on‑sale wine and 3.2% liquor as permitted uses and removing on‑sale liquor as a conditional use.

Sydney (staff planner) told the council staff proposed the change because alcohol licensing and compliance are already comprehensively regulated within Chapter 111 of the city code, creating a duplicative and burdensome permitting process when the zoning code also listed conditional on‑sale liquor uses. “Most cities do not regulate the sale of alcohol in their zoning code,” Sydney said, and staff recommended removing the overlapping zoning provisions to reduce fees and redundant processes.

The planning commission held a public hearing earlier in February, received no comments, and recommended unanimous approval of the amendments. The council voted to pass the ordinance and waived the second reading at the meeting; the ordinance amends sections 1 55.156 and 1 55.157 of the zoning code as indicated by staff.

Council member Hebert moved the ordinance and council member Bergman seconded; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff said future amendments may extend similar cleanup to other commercial zoning districts and planned developments.