Sebastopol to look at chain store limits again

The Sebastopol City Council on Tuesday will take another run at passing a law to limit the number of chain stores and restaurants in town.

Council members have refined their proposal since their last discussion in July.

The current version expands the areas where chain restaurants would be prohibited beyond the downtown core but takes a more liberal approach to what is allowed in certain large shopping centers.

Supporters of the move say it would prevent the proliferation of cookie-cutter businesses they say put the city’s unique, homegrown flavor at risk.

The law would limit the circumstances under which businesses with 25 or more substantially identical outlets - determined by aspects such as decor, signage and uniforms - can open in town.

The proposal results from more than a year of discussion, following a long-running battle with CVS Pharmacy over a plan for a downtown store that crystallized opponents’ view that national chain stores simply didn’t belong in Sebastopol.

But officials, some business owners and residents wanted an ordinance that would not have unforeseen consequences that might limit choice and price selection.

Under the current proposal, the Planning Commission and City Council would have the authority to evaluate certain formula businesses and grant use permits for those that meet certain criteria - such as promoting economic vitality, providing goods and services residents otherwise would have to leave town to find, or contributing to a balanced mix of commercial uses.

The ordinance would also permit a new owner to take over an existing business, provided there is no substantial change to the operation. It would also exempt offices, banks and credit unions, hotels and motels, electronics stores, tax-preparation services, gyms and gas stations.

The council meeting begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Sebastopol Youth Annex/Teen Center, 425 Morris St.

More information is available online at http://ci.sebastopol.ca.us/sites/default/files/events-and-meetings/staff_report_agenda_item_number_13_formula_business_ordinance.pdf.

You can reach Staff Writer Mary Callahan at 521-5249 or mary.callahan@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MaryCallahanB.