Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (1)
Big-box stores regulation proposed
Besides bringing in big revenues and convenience, “big- box” stores – like Best Buy, Walmart and Target – bring in big traffic increases and big parking lots.These are the reasons why Supervisor Stevens Miller said he'd like to add another step in the county's review process for these retail staples.
Miller has proposed changes to the county's zoning rules that would require retail establishments that plan to build a 75,000-square-foot or larger store to apply for a special exceptions permit with the county.
Already, commercial developers must apply for site- plan approval with the county.
“It adds one more level of review,” Miller said of his bill.
Miller said his goal is not to put a moratorium on the development of retail giants, but rather to give the county more authority to say no to developments that would have a negative effect on communities.
“I'm not being adversarial,” he said. “This [step] is a planning tool.”
The county Board of Supervisors discussed the proposal at its Nov. 18 meeting.
The board voted 8-1 -- with Chairman Scott York (I-at large) against -- to forward the proposal to county staff to propose options for changes in the zoning ordinances.
Assistant County Administrator Charles Yudd said staff members will examine the implications of the proposal and how it could affect projects currently being reviewed by the county.
He said that while the county has development reviews, the zoning does not specify what big-box retail is. Miller's proposal, he said, would do that.
York said that while he appreciated the concern expressed by Supervisor Miller, the county already has the tools to limit this development.
“I'm not certain why we're trying to change [the zoning] at a time when we have so many other things to grapple with,” he said.
Contact the reporter at hhobbs@timespapers.com
Why not have it as a set number of parking spaces/parking lot based on the square footage of the store?
Posted by cynakel
Report Offensive Content
You must be logged in to post a comment.