Special exemption granted for Midway

WORLAND — The Worland Board of Adjustment and Planning Commission approved a special exemption for Midway Auto and RV LLC to operate an auto dealership at its current location on Big Horn and Fifth.

During the regular meeting last Thursday, Worland building official Randy Adams told the board that Midway approached him last month that there was a change of ownership at Midway so they would be getting a new auto dealer’s license and needed a letter stating there that the dealership was in the appropriate zone in the city.

Adams said in looking at the ordinance adopted in 2017, auto dealerships are only allowed in the central business zone by special exemption.

“In the past we’ve never had any problem and I don’t see any problem, but because it is in the ordinance we have to follow the ordinance,” Adams said.

He said the special exemption form has been filed out, public notice published and neighbors have been notified.

Ryan Green, manager at Midway in Worland, said Midway Auto Sales is separating with the Lovell franchise under one company and Cody, Worland and Laurel, Montana, dealerships will be under another company, Midway Auto and RV LLC.

Mike Dykman asked if this special exemption would stay with the property for future owners.

Adams said that is the intent that the special exemption is granted for the property. If the property goes one year without being an auto dealership then the exemption would end.

Adams said there is a statement of conditions that will be filed with the city so there is a record of exactly why the exemption was granted.

A public hearing was held at the same time regarding the exemption. There was no public comment.

The exemption was approved unanimously.