Council initiates study to broaden uses in Los Rios historic commercial district

The City Council voted Oct. 21 to initiate a code amendment (25‑003) to study proposed changes to the Los Rios Specific Plan that would broaden allowed by‑right uses within the plan's historic commercial district.

Staff described the proposed initiation as a non‑site‑specific change: the amendment would add a set of 14 lower‑intensity retail and service uses to the historic commercial district’s list of by‑right activities and would remove "outdoor cultural performances" from the permitted uses list at the applicant’s request. The change does not itself approve any new building or tenant; any future physical development would require separate review.

Staff said the specific plan covers approximately 40 acres divided into land‑use districts and estimated a three‑month process for drafting amendment language and the required environmental analysis before returning to the planning commission and council.

Several residents asked about notice and scope; staff confirmed that courtesy notices were mailed to property owners within 1,000 feet. The applicant said the change was intended to allow lower‑intensity retail tenants to occupy small buildings that were previously entitled but underutilized.

Council moved to initiate the study; the motion passed unanimously. Staff will draft the specific plan amendments, prepare environmental review, and return the draft to the planning commission for recommendation before final council action.