St. Joseph Township officials are moving toward a one-year pause on new gas station proposals in the general business district.

The Herald-Palladium reports trustees unanimously approved a preliminary resolution for a moratorium on special-use permits.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing before the proposal goes to Berrien County for review.

If approved, the pause would give the township time to develop standards for where future gas stations could be built. Existing businesses would not be affected, and officials say it should not impact the planned Citgo station at Nye’s Apple Barn because its approvals are already in place.