Warren City Council adopts temporary moratorium on new gas stations and car washes

The Warren City Council voted to adopt a temporary moratorium on permitting new gas stations and car washes while the city attorney drafts updated ordinance language and a timeline for implementation.

Councilmember Lafferty, who led the discussion, said the pause is a "responsible and a prudent approach" to "contain the sprawl and excessive proliferation of gas stations and auto washes businesses in the city." He told colleagues the measure will allow staff to "carefully define the activity so as not to be too broad or to be too narrow and to avoid unintentional consequences."

Lafferty framed the action as corrective: "It is clear that this action is many years behind where it should be. Since the administration is not taking action, the city council has taken up the mantle and will drive the changes intended to transform development opportunities that complement and add value to our community." He added, "Let me be abundantly clear. We welcome all development. We also support the owners of our present gas stations and auto washes."

Councilmembers Noonan and Weigand supported the move in discussion, with Weigand citing local data: the city covers roughly 34 square miles and "about 69 gas stations" and "about 25" car washes citywide, including high concentrations within key commercial corridors. The moratorium will pause permitting for activities governed by the current language while staff aligns revisions with the city's master plan.

The council called the question and recorded affirmative votes from Ms. Moore, Mr. Newnan, Mr. Lafferty, Ms. McGee, Mr. Boykin, Mr. Dwyer and Rogansi; the motion carried. The council directed the city attorney's office to draft ordinance language and provide achievable milestones and timelines for review.

Next steps: staff will return with proposed ordinance language and milestones for council review; a public hearing or subsequent readings will occur as required by the city's zoning procedures.