Staff proposes multiple zoning text amendments including allowing many convenience stores and tattoo parlors by right, and rules for EV chargers and artisanal "

Staff presented a set of proposed zoning text amendments grouped for initiation, covering convenience stores, tattoo parlors, electric-vehicle charging stations and artisanal production. The presentation framed the proposals as effort to align ordinance language with observed uses while preserving case-by-case review when impacts merit it.

Convenience stores: Staff proposed allowing convenience stores by right in several commercial and industrial districts where they are currently permitted by conditional use, while retaining CUP requirements specifically if the store seeks to sell alcohol or smoking/vaping products. In six convenience-store CUPs considered over the last six years, staff said most requested alcohol or tobacco authorization, so the draft limits by-right relief to stores that will not seek those uses.

Tattoo parlors: After reviewing the city's prior history of special exceptions and conditional approvals and citing state and city sanitation regulations, staff recommended allowing tattoo establishments by right in the commercial districts where they currently require CUPs (community and regional commercial, most downtown districts, light industrial and selected PCOs); staff said city and state health code requirements remain applicable.

Electric-vehicle charging stations: Staff presented a two-track approach. Principal (stand-alone) public charging stations would be allowed by right in community and regional commercial and industrial districts subject to performance standards (setbacks from property lines, canopy rules, generator requirements). For accessory charging (e.g., shopping-center or employer lots), staff proposed limiting chargers to no more than 35% of required parking spaces to ensure charging remains accessory rather than the use's primary function.

Artisanal production: The city's downtown artisanal-production use (on-site manufacture and on-site sales of hand-fabricated goods using small-scale equipment) would be extended by right into select commercial and PCO districts, subject to existing limits on noise, odor, hours and required on-site sales area.

Ending: Staff said these items are candidates for initiation; they will coordinate outreach with downtown stakeholders and other advisory groups as needed before public hearings.