In early 2021, City Officials began discussing the increased development interest along High Street, particularly in conjunction with the approval of the High Street Depot mixed-use project which could serve as a catalyst for further development in the immediate area. In July 2021, the City Council directed staff to prepare an urgency ordinance prohibiting the establishment of formula-based retail businesses along High Street. The City Council adopted Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 492 on September 1, 2021, to temporarily prohibit new formula-based retail businesses on High Street as a means of protecting the unique character and mix of uses amid the renewed development interest.
The Interim Urgency Ordinance defined formula-based retail businesses as establishments which operate five or more existing establishments in the world, and which also maintain two or more of the following standardized features:
1. Array of merchandise or menu;
2. Color scheme;
3. Decor;
4. Façade;
5. Layout;
6. Signage, servicemark, or trademark; or
7. Uniform apparel
2. Color scheme;
3. Decor;
4. Façade;
5. Layout;
6. Signage, servicemark, or trademark; or
7. Uniform apparel
On Thursday, December 9, the Community Development Department and City's consultant, Civic Solutions, had a public open house at Cactus Patch Restaurant (197 E. High Street) to receive public input regarding proposed regulation of chain stores. For those that were unable to attend the open house, this is your opportunity to provide feedback!
Please fill out the bottom questionnaire.