A long-awaited revised draft proposal to regulate chain stores in Malibu’s Civic Center is set to be discussed by the Planning Commission on July 15, Planning Director Joyce Parker-Bozylinski announced Monday.
An initial draft of the chain store ordinance, also called a formula retail ordinance, was released by the city March 12. Planning department staff has been sorting through the dozens of public comments submitted during a 30-day comment period.
“To advance the City’s goals, the proposed ordinance is intended to encourage retail elements that promote variety while contributing to and maintaining the City’s rural charm and small-town feel,” the initial draft stated.
Shopping center owners have blasted the draft ordinance and hinted at legal action if such an ordinance is passed, arguing it would violate the Federal Constitution.
Many community members, however, have argued in favor of any measure to preserve Malibu’s character.
City planning officials maintain that the ordinance intends to preserve Malibu’s unique character and limit the number of chains/ formula retail stores that open in the central part of town. As currently drafted, the ordinance would amend the city’s zoning code to require formula/chain businesses to obtain a conditional use permit (CUP) from the city’s Planning Commission if they wish to open a business in the Civic Center.
Since the comment period closed, planning staff has been working to address relevant questions and concerns, which should be reflected in the revised draft. A release date for the revised draft has not been announced.
The planning department was directed to write the ordinance last November after a 3-2 City Council vote.
At its July 15 meeting, the Planning Commission will hear public comment, discuss the revised draft and make a recommendation to the City Council on whether to move forward with such an ordinance.