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Council discusses allowing retail and restaurants in District 8 as comp‑plan changes proceed
Summary
Staff proposed an amendment to permit retail, restaurant and service uses up to 20,000 sq ft in District 8 to add amenities for employees; council urged a comprehensive rewrite of District 8 zoning rather than piecemeal edits to avoid unintended uses.
City staff presented a draft amendment that would allow commercial retail, restaurants and service uses along the South Darrow corridor (District 8) with a limit of 20,000 square feet per building or parcel. The staff presentation framed the change as aligned with the comprehensive plan’s recommendation to create a transitional commercial corridor and to support local businesses and employees.
Katie Behnke, speaking for economic development, said three of the top 10 income‑tax generating businesses operate in the area and that employees frequently need quicker lunch or service options. Several council members supported the comp‑plan vision but cautioned that piecemeal changes could open the door to unintended uses (for example, assisted living or adult businesses) if the code language is altered one clause at a time. Councilmember Sutton urged a comprehensive review of District 8 to avoid incremental edits that could be used to justify broader uses by right.
Staff said it will regroup, draft broader proposals and engage property owners and the Planning Commission to develop a coordinated amendment. The item will be referred for further review and possible referral to Planning Commission.
