[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6319597,"mediaKeyId","2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0","parentId",2360951,"title","Council asks staff to study downtown zoning change to allow tattoo shops, requests legal and economic analysis","audioSeconds",2715,"startMs",16420000,"endMs",19135000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0&start=16420&end=19135","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0/thumbnail_16420000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6319597/Brentwood/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-asks-staff-to-study-downtown-zoning-change-to-allow-tattoo-shops-requests-legal-and-economic-analysis","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319597-d04da92c977b655a7d5d098ab529c66a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197762&Signature=DHsf6PDR4EYssOrGA7EPhhxu07TEf5llJl7hF~MRsbj-euB47usoZZqnD0Nl~5zBKetS7odPMYkckD4RmW3azEeb3V0qG1DNxV8AWtTeHXqZwHIXn~xcsJ8CuuFbeg39o8T0eIkmXUY3hAYxBGekEOhVEDnbcVDvMUQ7ZX~nakTkoyU93LKsyxT31ELdye2jGn60M3TEDXjJLjvCEaxSsoOXCd8MzDNmruY~BVqPilnYNwqptwq97aHAcIvHlb4su9XmnCnPV-uyZwQEBQp4sPlLO4Kij2BAlCf0nnPqzXMnbvOcnbKk9vlGcNPVKK8n0RXG4EIrN1mJHOA7B8jEBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Brentwood, CA","date","2025-01-28T00:00:00Z","article","The Brentwood City Council on Jan. 28 directed staff to study a proposed zoning-text amendment to allow tattoo parlors in the Downtown Brentwood Specific Plan area, after public testimony from business owners, residents and the applicant who seeks a downtown location.

What council directed: By motion, the council asked staff to prepare a proposed specific-plan amendment and to include: (1) a legal review of any constitutional or state law constraints on limiting or capping the number of tattoo establishments in a downtown commercial district, (2) an economic analysis of potential trade-offs and opportunity costs for different downtown uses (sales-tax and job-generation comparisons) and (3) options for any safeguards or concentration limits that would be legally defensible.

Public input: The council heard from the owners of a local, long-standing tattoo studio who seek to relocate to Downtown Brentwood; they and several local residents argued the shop is family-oriented, community-minded and would bring foot traffic to nearby businesses. Several downtown merchants and the Downtown Brentwood Coalition also commented, with many endorsing the proposal while others asked the council to confirm alignment with the Downtown Specific Plan and to analyze implications for desired downtown character.

Why it matters: The Downtown Specific Plan currently enumerates allowable and disallowed uses. Several council members said the plan was the product of an extended community process and that any change should be considered deliberately; others pointed out recent court decisions that have invalidated categorical bans on tattoo businesses when treated as expressive conduct. Council asked staff to include that legal context in their analysis.

Next steps: Staff will return with a written analysis that addresses legal constraints, potential economic impacts and realistic implementation options (including whether planning staff could limit concentration consistent with state and federal law). Council members said they expect a staff report that outlines costs and risks rather than an immediate policy decision.

Ending: The council’s request opens a formal path for reconsidering the Downtown Specific Plan language; staff will present recommended language and legal/economic background at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Brentwood, CA: City Council Meeting (January 28, 2025)","oneSentenceSummary","After public comment and council discussion, the City Council asked staff to study a proposed amendment to the Downtown Brentwood Specific Plan to permit tattoo establishments, and to return with an analysis of legal constraints (including First Amendment considerations), economic impacts and possible limits on concentration.","taxTitle","Brentwood, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",3824,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6319602,"Council asks staff to explore Farmers Market expansion and ways to better include downtown businesses",2156,14307000,16463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0&start=14307&end=16463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0/thumbnail_14307000.jpg","/articles/6319602/Brentwood/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-asks-staff-to-explore-Farmers-Market-expansion-and-ways-to-better-include-downtown-businesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319602-b70920098dfbd3d6e52fa340aa2c65d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197762&Signature=CF0nE9W4~BKUanCCdC9KTdsRwZWStKrrrs9wnmyk1TLYqqI~j4prLpk-UJ-yXtM9crDF1Abzz6nJivnZyhEdjzUK6-nvdt-a~yIkhFC7msbXMJLpkvG54oeydQJih3t0pojKzUibEVqrPmC94xFA1ihBPuSZzR6eOhMmixrAkx59Wq4h5AEdDNd9a-Z6c6c91-mD3kTtFe9H09tGQdUSAZV0UXhljTLW0qbXUTrKXaHN-fSJYPfPsSL4wNPgQo~h72hkbslgHUZFnwP3b~7P6Xn-Vgy--OSjLQ4JCPp8ml7jVIiz70YyllUJx20BeiftAIhLXEYdOTRYXLtXC3F0Pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","After several public comments from downtown merchants and the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, the City Council on Jan. 28 asked staff to study possible changes to the configuration and footprint of the city’s Farmers Market.

What council asked staff to do: Council directed staff to consult the market operator (Pacific Coast Farmers Market), poll and meet with downtown businesses (including the Downtown Brentwood Coalition) and return with options for expanding the market footprint, including possible placement changes so booths do not block storefront access and ways to prioritize space or low-cost opportunities for local downtown businesses. Council asked staff to explore whether portions of the market could be placed down the center of streets in a way that maintains emergency access and accommodates business access.

Public input at the meeting: Downtown merchants told council they generally support the market but asked for changes that would make it easier for storefront businesses to remain open and capture foot traffic on market days. Some merchants proposed allowing downtown businesses to operate booths or displays at no or reduced cost; others suggested moving some vendor stalls to side streets that front additional downtown stores.

Next steps: Staff said they will contact the market operator, survey merchants and prepare options that include traffic, safety and public-safety constraints (for example, fire apparatus access if tents occupy the center of a street). The council asked staff to return with study results and a recommended plan.

Ending: Council members said they supported the Farmers Market and downtown vitality and requested staff bring a report and recommended options to a future meeting.","Council directed staff to study options for expanding and reconfiguring the downtown Farmers Market, including vendor placement, business participation and whether to broaden the market footprint to additional streets; staff will consult market managers and downtown businesses and report back.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6319607,"Council approves Fields of Time public art contract, hears concerns about rising construction costs",427,13645000,14072000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0&start=13645&end=14072","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0/thumbnail_13645000.jpg","/articles/6319607/Brentwood/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-approves-Fields-of-Time-public-art-contract-hears-concerns-about-rising-construction-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319607-b478c4add0f112cc81c188b25bfe2481/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197762&Signature=N1K7mRWuCVXZWTdmTAD39lFNPmgw-Yc2pQHz6DaWggWNmcbUsSF1WadelfUXF33PB1ZTg0qTeWcdqbxnIC-GZO8yVT964nmCsp6USyPv9G-xWwx7MwO64hvcMLns0O43yLihDoXUgpLrhN8vzWzbrJZX9fcKU0gfWm~UcCk9YPDwKPS6q0d5y4vCwNuixOUT0r3V-c1x99gVRv3u8iTofK5NxtoZ3RAz6uyq~HoKwaLEC0X8fGwcNU6usChuAJyzowZJtcY4dHpuFTd1ik2ZOCCXEgp~DmBKE95jYtLqeBAVEcnm9dMOWWLyQ21FNHmlQf4wwjUQENJHR1zBLIZq-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Brentwood City Council on Jan. 28 approved a construction contract and corresponding mid-year budget amendments for the Fields of Time public art project, but the decision prompted council comments about contract language and the effect of rising costs.

Staff reported the City received three bids for construction. The low bidder was Mark Builders LLC (doing business as Mark Engineering) at $79,942; staff requested a 10% contingency for construction, and the council approved the contract award and associated budget changes.

Council concerns: Multiple council members said they were troubled by the project’s change in cost compared with earlier estimates and asked staff to review procurement and contract language. Vice Mayor Pearson and others said the city should tighten future contracts and ensure artists and contractors understood applicable labor rules and prevailing-wage obligations. Council members asked staff to bring lessons learned so future public-art procurements carry clearer installation and cost expectations.

Why it matters: Public-art projects are funded from the city’s art program funds. Officials said the city needs to balance preserving and presenting artwork with financial stewardship. The Fields of Time project will proceed with the awarded contractor; council approved both the contract and the required fund transfers.

What the council decided: By formal motion the council directed staff to execute the contract with the low bidder (Mark Builders LLC), approve the 10% contingency, and carry out the budget amendments needed to fund the construction contract. Council also requested follow-up work by staff on contract language and procurement practices for future public-art projects.

Ending: Staff will move ahead with the awarded contractor and will return to council with an administrative debrief on procurement and contracting improvements.","Council awarded a construction contract for the 'Fields of Time' public art project and approved related budget adjustments, but several council members and public speakers raised concerns about higher-than-expected costs and contract management after bids came in above earlier estimates.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6319612,"Veterans and residents urge county, council to preserve Brentwood veterans hall amid proposed fire station changes",715,11040000,11755000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0&start=11040&end=11755","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0/thumbnail_11040000.jpg","/articles/6319612/Brentwood/Contra-Costa-County/California/Veterans-and-residents-urge-county-council-to-preserve-Brentwood-veterans-hall-amid-proposed-fire-station-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319612-8941d93c0f1fd14af3c1343fda2cb6e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197762&Signature=LOZx~3czxpmTfjLl5ZQ68RMKM61yM8IUlo8pNZ97e-wUkOuLDHDSaQfvLVgVsHZs4u5vmn7602kCXH1EAi4vbK-REbzjrVPLMxttyvgzct6036m6OvMvNY1PKlbqQvhDYxODmUEVf7L5zmrUiwY29-NDWH2yhvf-nkG43FiqfWaRGmBC4t7ABELRk-WVa7I11rZ5eYQLQR9YGYGZUoGSqqhFkUa8r19ndcrsKotl-oHYfGVlL865GC-FNjtj7ODk8Qq-rSxVt1tcmSCptJROpntWhhwnQZy4uOLJwiiDQy8GCehzAZ36HJgBLHqSkG1Y6zDRvmU6HDZA2aGTkbORfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Speakers representing Brentwood veterans and local organizations urged the City Council on Jan. 28 to press Contra Costa County and the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District over plans that, in residents’ view, would transfer or repurpose land historically dedicated for veterans use.

Veterans leaders, a member of the American Legion and others told council members they consider a portion of the parcel between First and Maple streets to be veterans property that was acquired and dedicated for use as a veterans meeting hall through a county tax measure dating back to 1922. Speakers said county documents and state law restrict a city or county from repurposing land given or dedicated for veterans’ use unless the veteran organization consents or abandons the property.

Legal citations raised at the meeting included the California Military and Veterans Code Division 6 (chapter and section numbers referenced in public testimony) and an excerpt of the California Government Code (referred to in public remarks as a statute requiring a special tax to be used only for the purpose approved by voters). Several speakers urged the council to ask the city attorney to determine whether the county’s transfer or planned use of the parcel complies with those restrictions.

Why it matters: Speakers warned that a county proposal to site county/Fire District facilities on the parcel would effectively displace an organization that has provided services, gatherings and support for veterans for many decades. They urged the council to use whatever legal tools and communications channels are available to halt or require further review of any work on the parcel until legal questions are resolved.

Council response and next steps: City representatives said they were aware of the concern and that staff and council had been checking legal ownership and deed restrictions. Mayor Meyer and others noted the Brown Act limits on detailed conversation outside of scheduled council sessions; council members asked staff and the city attorney to research deed language, county levies, and whether the county’s current actions comply with the original dedication and relevant state code provisions. At the meeting council members requested staff follow up with the county and advised veterans how to submit formal records and evidence to the city clerk.

Public comment: More than a half-dozen veterans and residents spoke at the council meeting, including representatives of the American Legion and Marine Corps League. Testimony included first-hand accounts of the hall’s long use, references to a county tax levy around 1922 that funded veteran meeting places, and requests that council formally request the county to preserve the hall or halt work until legal compliance is clarified.

Ending: Council members acknowledged the community’s concerns and instructed staff to gather and report legal documents and options back to the council. Council members also asked residents to provide any documents they possess to help the city review the land’s history and limitations.","Veterans groups and residents told the council the parcel historically dedicated for veterans use should not be transferred or redeveloped without following state law. Speakers cited a 1922 county levy and cited California veterans code and government code provisions in urging the city to investigate and press the county for answers.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6319617,"Brentwood council reappoints two incumbents, adds one new member after interviews",9080,833000,9913000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0&start=833&end=9913","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2360951-1de1a59d336c64d7c2da1d49b51904d0/thumbnail_833000.jpg","/articles/6319617/Brentwood/Contra-Costa-County/California/Brentwood-council-reappoints-two-incumbents-adds-one-new-member-after-interviews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6319617-d78db06bc398f43953e470d426062c2b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771197762&Signature=SXlO-I71Mg0hLfB3WH0obo48JxZ0KDF~HXshn4OsnVcFJlM7N7QGp5qHlQ3Ws~Xbfuq0bWh42ZlSECRqsiUb9bs7k5cUnKztHBhJd7gr0-~Pbb8DT5ki~3TwoJCKmyrm2DeoWDRkk1ptUYIxNyWm1QUaIfX2XVwSbiQx4zA8nzHxU99MsxAqj7jF8WoOpini80MJ8T8oRhZSqhh8hN1lyV5LEUPib8pE~tAACB8pHIkEFxkLwe5N209jqep7Mqtvy3AEiG7E3BHhjMZdWDjt83EvhbZG75kSRx2NC08FCM62kUBrb~S9JLMLMzTKcvJJV5uhJicTqKatrXMFdZmNUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brentwood City Council on Jan. 28 appointed two sitting commissioners and one new member following a series of public interviews and a short council discussion on qualifications and adherence to state law.

The council voted to appoint Rod Flor, Christopher (Chris) Brand and Jeremy Jones to three open seats on the Planning Commission. Mayor Meyer presented the three names as the council’s recommendations and each nomination passed in a recorded council vote.

The interviews were public: the council asked each candidate a similar set of questions about how zoning works, how cities should balance residential, commercial and agricultural uses, and how state housing bills affect local planning. Candidates repeatedly said they would follow state law even when it conflicted with personal views. Several applicants — including Flor and Brand — emphasized the importance of the general plan and objective standards; others, including some newer applicants, described experience in community advocacy, emergency planning, or small-business work.

Why it matters: Council members said they prioritized continuity, experience on the commission and an ability to follow state requirements while defending local interests. Multiple speakers at public comment urged the council to reappoint incumbents who have shown up to hearings and to prioritize commissioners who read agenda packets closely. Council members said those factors were decisive in their votes.

What happened at the meeting: After interviews were completed, Councilmember Orleman collected council members’ ranked choices and Mayor Meyer formally nominated the three candidates the council then approved. The council also discussed the broader context for the panel’s work: recent state housing laws named during interviews (identified in public remarks as SB 4 23, SB 330 and others) and the pressure those laws place on local land-use authority.

Outlook: The newly seated commissioners will take up pending items at upcoming Planning Commission meetings, including housing-related matters the council and candidates referenced during interviews. Council members said they expect commissioners to apply objective standards and to continue studying state law impacts as projects come forward.

Ending: The council and staff encouraged residents who applied but were not selected to remain engaged; several members of the public who applied were invited to reapply in future cycles.","After interviews with 11 applicants, the Brentwood City Council reappointed Rod Flor and Christopher Brand and appointed Jeremy Jones to the Planning Commission. Council members said they weighed experience, community engagement and knowledge of state housing laws when choosing three candidates to fill three seats.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council asks staff to study downtown zoning change to allow tattoo shops, requests legal and economic analysis

Council asks staff to explore Farmers Market expansion and ways to better include downtown businesses

Council approves Fields of Time public art contract, hears concerns about rising construction costs

Veterans and residents urge county, council to preserve Brentwood veterans hall amid proposed fire station changes

Brentwood council reappoints two incumbents, adds one new member after interviews