Council rejects variance for 9,100‑sq‑ft Dollar General at North Dixie Drive

Vandalia City Council on June 15 rejected a request to allow a 9,100‑square‑foot retail store at 9375 North Dixie Drive, voting 6–1 against the variance sought by SNS Leasing LLC.

City planner Al House told council the applicant, Choice One Engineering on behalf of SNS Leasing LLC, asked for relief to build a 9,100‑square‑foot retail establishment in the NB (neighborhood business) zoning district, where retail uses are limited to 5,000 square feet. He noted the Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval on a 3–2 vote at its May 13 meeting.

Vice Mayor Follic moved to approve the BZA recommendation. The motion failed after roll call: Council members Dugan, Ford, Hathaway, Bradford, Avalotus Weaver and Mayor Richard Herps voted no; Vice Mayor Follic voted yes.

The council record does not include a detailed staff report of traffic, parking, or economic-impact findings in the meeting transcript. The BZA packet and the applicant’s materials were referenced by staff but not read into the record during the council vote.

Because the council denied the variance, the applicant must either revise the proposal to meet NB district size limits or pursue other avenues of review; no alternative motions, conditions, or directions to staff were recorded on the council floor.

Action taken: Motion to approve BZA-260004 (variance for Dollar General at 9375 N. Dixie Drive) failed, outcome: denied (1 yes, 6 no).