Council introduces first reading of zoning changes to add retail, food and studio uses to Zone D

The Piedmont City Council introduced the first reading of Ordinance 783, a zoning update that would add a range of permitted commercial uses in Zone D (areas concentrated along Grand Avenue and the corner of Vista and Highland avenues) and streamline conditional use permit (CUP) processes.

Planning staff listed proposed permitted uses that include bakeries, wine shops, bookstores, bike and hardware stores, fitness and martial‑arts studios, tutoring centers, photography studios, hair salons and barbers, and dance studios. Staff said each permitted use would be subject to performance standards (hours of operation, limits on outdoor activities, loading rules and signage constraints). The ordinance would also create objective standards distinguishing commercial and residential CUPs, allow a staff‑review pathway for minor modifications (for example limited floor‑area increases or modest schedule changes), and clarify that approved CUPs run with the land when ownership changes.

Gopa Gnaier, who managed the project, said the amendments implement housing element programs and improve code clarity. The Planning Commission reviewed the draft on Aug. 11, 2025 and unanimously recommended the council adopt the updates. Councilmember Ramsey moved to introduce the ordinance for first reading and amended the motion to include explicit CEQA consistency reference; the motion passed unanimously. The second reading can occur as soon as Oct. 6; code changes would take effect within 30 days after that reading if approved.