Council adopts zoning changes to speed small-business openings and relax retail parking

The City Council on Feb. 24 unanimously approved a first reading of an ordinance updating Chapter 36 (zoning) to implement parts of the Economic Vitality Strategy aimed at helping small businesses open more quickly.

Assistant Community Development Director Lindsay Hagen and Economic Vitality Manager Amanda Rotella told council the package focuses on the four land uses that represented more than one-third of recent use-permit applications: retail, restaurants, personal services and indoor recreation and fitness. For qualifying small-footprint tenants (maximum 4,000 square feet) in selected commercial zones the amendments would eliminate conditional-use requirements and the separate change-of-use permit and allow building-permit-only conversions provided objective operational standards are met (loading, waste, noise, outdoor activities). Staff estimated that the streamlining could save months and thousands of dollars in fees for tenants.

The package also reduces minimum parking requirements for retail and personal-service uses from one space per 180 square feet to one per 250 square feet, based on a survey of regional cities. Staff noted the change will apply across commercial and industrial zones unless a precise plan explicitly references different standards.

Council Member Kamay moved to adopt the ordinance (second reading scheduled March 10); Council Member Ramirez seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Business groups and shopping-center managers who spoke during public comment expressed support and urged the city to expand streamlining where appropriate.