An ordinance was presented for discussion by City Council tonight that would establish a downtown overlay district. This overlay district would prohibit certain business uses from operating within the immediate downtown area. Unless state or local ordinances otherwise restrict them, these business types may operate outside of the downtown area.
Restricted uses would include:
- Dispensaries of adult-use cannabis and CBD
- Tobacco and vape shops
- Tattoo and piercing parlors
- Storage units
- Automotive sales
- Automotive services and body repair enterprises
- Pawnshops
- Title loan or “quick cash” agencies
- Storage yards or staging areas with outdoor operations
- Parking lots for any type of commercial or service vehicles
- Adult entertainment establishments as defined by Section 154.11
City Council discussed the various pros and cons of establishing such a restriction in the downtown.
A discussion was also held about the direction the revitalization project has been taken with the move towards retail in the citie’s downtown. City Council also discussed whether any existing businesses will be impacted by this overlay and it was confirmed that none will be affected.
No action was taken on this item tonight and it will return to City Council at a future meeting.
