2013-12 AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE - CONSUMER CREDIT SERVICES AND PAWNBROKER

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Page 2 of 3 Amend Sections II Definitions and XII.A. Permitted Uses in B-2 February 7,2013 STAFF ANALYSIS 1. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (ID PR) has exclusive authority to license pawnbrokers/pawn shops and Consumer Credit Services. A search of licenses shows that there are 24 Consumer Credit Service establishments and three (3) active pawnshops in Decatur. 2. Seven (7) of the 24 existing Consumer Credit Service establishments and Dne (1) of the three (3) pawnshops are located in the B-2 Commercial District according to the Official Zoning District Map. These uses will be permitted uses within the B-2 Commercial Districts if these changes are approved while other existing establishments not located in the B-2 district will be allowed to continue to operate as nonconforming uses. 3. The Macon County & Decatur Comprehensive Plan includes both "Qual ty of Life" and "A Diversified Economy" in its list of goals. The Plan refers to Decatur's Downtown District and its older, surrounding neighborhoods as the "Heart" of Decatur and b lacon County. The Plan further identifies the need and benefits of economic stability within this "urban core," which it calls the "Regenerative Neighborhoods." Licensed Pawnbroker and Consumer Credit Services regularly charge interest rates that are higher than traditional licensed financial institutions (such as banks, mortgage lenders, credit unions, etc.), which in our opinion, works in opposition to the goal of community economic stability. Most of these types of establishments are located within the boundary of the "Regenerative Neighborhoods." 4. Since the Zoning Ordinance is a tool to further the goals of the comprehensive plan, Staff recommends clearly defining Pawnbroker and Consumer Credit Services and permitting them within B-2 Districts. Staff further proposes to regulate the density of Consumer Credit Services by requiring a 1,500 feet minimum distance between said establishments. 5. It is staff's opinion that these amendments are in line with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and should assist the City revitalizing its "Regenerative Neighborhoods." STAFF RECOMMENDATION 1. Staff recommends that the amendments to Section 11 (Definitions) 4md Section XII.A (Permitted uses in the B-2 Commercial District) be recommended for approva as presented. PLAN COMMISSION ACTION 1. Section XXIX. of the Zoning Ordinance requires the Plan Commission to hold a public hearing and then forward its report and recommendation to the City Council for final approval. A motion to forward Calendar Number 12-49 to the City Council with a recommendation of approval is suggested. The above report constitutes the testimony and recommendation of the Planning Division, Development Services Department, City of Decatur. Vasudha Pinnamaraju, AICP Environmental Planner ATTACHMENTS: