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Amended Motion: M/S: Claire/Murray to endorse the archway sign restoration project. Carried by unanimous roll call vote. MINUTE ORDER NO. 91-249 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mayor La Berge declared a five minute recess at 9:20 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 9:25 p.m. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. The following two PUBLIC HEARINGS considering Zoning Text and Zoning Map Amendments will be held simultaneously: (203-02) Public Hearing to consider amendment of Ordinance No. 1130, the Zoning Ordinance, to create the Central Business Retail "CBR" Zoning District for the Downtown Area, and Public Hearing to consider rezoning portions of the Downtown Area from "CB" (Central Business) and "CG" (General Commercial) Zoning Districts to "CBR" (Central Business Retail) Zoning District. Report: Planning Commission, November 19, 1991 Affidavits of Notice of Publication and of Mailing are on file. Planning Director Patterson presented the staff report and in answer to Council questions advised that the new "CBR" District was in conformance with the General Plan and was proposed to encourage the improvement and revitalization of the downtown area by allowing certain retail uses and amenities. Properties currently designated as "office use" would maintain that status forever, unless, the owners cease operations or their tenants cease operations and the property is vacant for six months. If within that six months the owners find another "office use" client to operate their premises, no new permit is required. Only after the six months has expired will owners be obliged to find retail tenants, or apply for a Use Permit for "office use" on ground floor. Redwood City currently has the six-month provision for non-conforming uses. In response to questions regarding eliminating banks from the new "CBR" Director Patterson described existing small buildings on large lots surrounded by parking lots are not conducive to retail activity and tend to "break up" blocks. Director Patterson described Planned Development Permits which cover exceptions, such as in the Sequoia Station Project, and the attempt by Council to change the business climate in the Downtown area with the new Business Improvement District, Downtown Association Coordinator and General Plan. Council discussed difference between existing Districts and proposed District; governments do not create retailers; impact of requiring Use Permits for "office use" on ground floors after six months; conditional use versus prohibited use; banking facilities need to be on first floor; kinds of retailers wanted in the Downtown area; current economic conditions and kinds of merchandise needed, such as used furniture; trying to change the "market" artificially; impact of retail requirement on investors in downtown property; and successful retail revitalization in Piedmont. Regular Meeting Minutes November 4, 1991 Page 5 MINUTE BOOK NO. 50 Page No. 397 , --..-.-.--.--.. .._--_._.. T - .