Lockport Approves Temporary Moratorium For New Gas Stations

LOCKPORT, IL — The Lockport City Council has placed a temporary moratorium on new gas station developments to determine the proper zoning classification for them. At its Wednesday meeting, the City Council approved the moratorium until Oct. 6.

City Attorney Sonni Williams said several communities have special use zoning for gas stations. Council documents state gas stations are currently a permitted use in the C-3 zoning district, and no special use is required.

According to council documents, the city has seen a recent increase in inquiries and interest from developers for gas stations. Although newer gas stations have more environmental protections, if there is a site with a newer gas station that closes, the tanks must still be removed and the site remediated before it can be redeveloped for another use, documents state.

During the moratorium, the city will study the issue of whether the effects on the environment and impacts on future development need a special use zoning classification for gas stations.

The temporary moratorium does not apply to the proposed Thornton's gas station, at 159th Street and Gougar Road, since a concept plan has already been approved.

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