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uses. Staff has unsucessfull~ tried to develop a definition for <br /> antique shops, so we are recommending that it be listed as a <br /> permitted use and that the Zoning Administrator make the <br />- determination whether a business is considered an antique or a <br /> second hand shop. A second hand shop would require a Use Permit. <br /> <br /> In response to Chairman Sanfilipo, Mr. Patterson confirmed that the <br /> Zoning District would include Sequoia Station. <br /> <br /> Marjorie Howe, of Howe/Clark Enterprises, questioned why banks and <br /> title companies weren't part of the new zoning district, and why are <br /> they only permitted on second floors. She also questioned whether <br /> she would be required to landscape the parking lot behind the <br /> Courthouse Coffee Shop if she had it repaved. <br /> <br /> Mr. Patterson responded that the City is attempting to limit the <br /> number of banks and offices on the ground floor in the Business <br /> Improvement District, however existing banks and offices would not <br /> be asked to leave. There is an attempt to make all the block faces <br /> primarily retail, particularly Broadway and Main Street. It is <br /> understood that some of the block faces are not appropriate for <br /> retail, and Use Permits may be issued which will allow office and <br /> financial institutions on the ground floor in those cases. In <br /> addition, the landscape requirement would not be triggered by the <br /> resurf~cing of an existing parking lot. <br /> <br /> Geri Mayers, 2301 Broadway, stated that it is unfortunate that we <br /> didn't have this Ordinance 15 years ago because it might have <br /> prevented some of todays problems downtown. However, it seems <br />- unfair that if a building is vacant for 6 months then a use permit <br /> must be granted in order to use it for the specific purpose it was <br /> built foK. For instance, there is now a situation in the Sequoia <br /> Building in the 2300 block of Broadway, where one of the offices <br /> with frontage on Broadway has been vacant for over 6 months. S~me <br /> t'hink that this would be a good place for retail, but there are many <br /> tenants in that building that lease office space with the intention <br /> of it being open from 8 to 5, and closed to the public otherwise. <br /> All the offices downtown have gotten permits, and shouldn't have to <br /> get a Use permit if they have a vacancy on the ground level for more <br /> than 6 months. It should be grandfathered in. <br /> <br /> Mr. Patterson stated that the Sequoia Building was converted from a <br /> retail building and that it could be converted back into a retail <br /> building if des.ired, with a relatively small investment. Retail may <br /> become strong in Redwood City, partially because of the Sequoia <br /> Station project, and other things tha~ are going on in the City. In <br /> this situation, some owners will want to convert to retail. With <br /> respect to the 6 month clause, Mr. Patterson stated that the 6 month <br /> limit may provide an incentive for pruoerty owners to occupy their <br /> buildings if they know they will otherwise have to obtain a Use <br /> Permit. <br /> <br /> Chairman Sanfilipo asked counsel if this is an infringement on <br /> <br /> MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 15~ 1991 <br /> <br /> <br />