Pasadena : New Service Station Law

Tighter controls over the city’s service stations would be imposed under a series of zoning code amendments approved Tuesday by the Board of Directors.

The new codes, which must be reviewed by the City Planning Commission, establish two categories of service stations: minimum stations with no auto-repair bays and full-service stations with one or more auto-repair bays.

Under the new codes, minimum service stations in certain commercial districts must have at least eight fuel pumps.

The codes also establish the number of parking spaces for minimum stations based on square footage of the lot. Parking regulations for full-service stations are still being devised, as are design guidelines and permanent operating rules for all stations.

Tuesday’s action was among the first efforts toward imposing controls proposed months ago by City Director Rick Cole, who said he is concerned over the “mansionization” of the city’s service stations, which includes the addition of mini-markets and car washes.