The Laredo Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 19 recommended that city council rezone 1519 East San Pedro Street from B-1 (limited business) to B-3 (community business) so the site can continue as an auto dealer.

The applicant, A&M Auto Repair LLC, listed the owner as A&M Auto Repair LLC and Luis Aguirre spoke at the hearing as the purchaser and prospective operator. Aguirre said he bought the property in July and that the prior use at the site had operated as a dealership with an SUP; he told the commission he intends to apply for the necessary dealer license and occupancy once the zoning is changed.

Staff presented the packet noting a prior council action from April 2017 approving an SUP for a used-car lot at that address, and staff recommended approval of the current zone change request. The staff report indicated a notification process was completed; the presentation stated there were 21 notices sent and no recorded opposition in the packet.

Commissioners had limited discussion and then closed the public hearing. A motion to recommend the proposed zone change carried; the commission transmitted its recommendation to city council for final action. The transcript records the motion passing after a second; a numeric vote tally was not provided in the record.

Next steps: the recommendation will be forwarded to city council for final approval and the applicant must secure any required permits and an occupancy certificate before beginning operations.