Rep. John Paul Sablan
THE Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation on Tuesday unanimously passed House Local Bill 24-5, which proposes to amend the Saipan Zoning Law to clearly define “automobile sales and service” businesses and establish screening requirements for such businesses located near certain zoning districts.
All 17 Saipan lawmakers present voted in favor of the legislation authored by the SNILD chairman, Rep. John Paul P. Sablan.
Sen. Celina Babauta, Sen. Corina Magofna, Rep. Thomas John Manglona and Rep. Joel Camacho were excused.
For clarity, H.L.B. 24-5 defines “automobile sales and service” as establishments engaged in the marketing, direct or indirect sales, and servicing of new and used automobiles, including light trucks and motorcycles. Typical activities include vehicle sales, manufacturer recall work, diagnostics, maintenance (e.g., tune-ups and oil changes), mechanical repairs, parts replacement, paint work, body work, glass work, washing, detailing, and warranty repair work.
The bill states that it is necessary to establish this definition to ensure regulatory consistency and facilitate smoother operations for businesses engaged in such activities. A clear definition, it adds, will help zoning officials and stakeholders apply the law more effectively.
The bill seeks to minimize the potential impacts that automobile sales and service businesses may have on neighboring properties by establishing adjacent property screening requirements for businesses located near certain zoning districts.
