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Council introduces development-code amendment to align supermarket size rules; opponents cite lack of neighborhood notice
Summary
Council introduced Ordinance MC-1648 for first reading to revise supermarket definitions (size thresholds) in the development code to resolve a competitive disadvantage for certain stores; public speakers raised concerns about notice for new Dollar General stores in some neighborhoods.
The San Bernardino City Council introduced for first reading an amendment (Ordinance MC-1648) to the city’s Development Code to standardize definitions and size thresholds for neighborhood and full supermarkets.
City staff said the amendment would align several code sections and state references — including provisions that reference the Public Resources Code — to clarify that a supermarket is a retail food store with a minimum gross floor area of approximately 10,000 square feet (the staff presentation described a 10,000–15,000-square-foot range that has caused inconsistent treatment under the current code). Staff said the amendment, identified as “24-06” / MC-1648 in the staff report, is intended to remove a regulatory discrepancy that puts some food retailers at a competitive disadvantage.
Several members of the public spoke during the hearing to object to the introduction or to request that nearby residents receive notice if a new discount retailer such as Dollar General locates in a neighborhood. A public speaker said north-side residents were surprised by a Dollar General opening and urged the city to require and verify the legally required 500-foot notice to adjacent neighbors; Councilmember Sánchez confirmed that a 500-foot notification radius applies for certain notices and asked staff to ensure notification requirements are followed.
The council voted digitally to introduce the ordinance for first reading by title only; the motion passed. Staff did not present the full ordinance text during the meeting because of a technical issue with the presentation system; staff told the council the full materials would be available for subsequent hearings.
What the amendment would change: according to the staff presentation, the amendment would reconcile local size categories (the city currently references classes of stores by square footage) with state and industry examples, and would create a clearer definition so grocery-format stores operating between roughly 10,000 and 15,000 square feet are treated consistently under the Development Code.
Questions from council focused on ensuring neighborhood notification when a store seeks entitlements and on whether the amendment would disadvantage small independent grocers; staff said the goal was to create a level playing field.
Next steps: Because the council introduced the ordinance by title only for the first reading, the item will return for subsequent readings as required by law before final adoption. Staff will provide the full ordinance text and supporting materials at a future hearing.
