Update on the big-box ordinance

At last night's hearing, the Planning Commission approved the big-box ordinance.  Two significant modifications:  (1) it raised the "big-box" threshold from 50,000 to 100,000 square feet; and (2) it recommended that the city create a new "big-box" zoning classification that would have big boxes as a permitted use.

It didn't give serious consideration to the calls for economic impact statements.

The ordinance now goes to Council.

Comments

[M1EK]

I generally trust the PC to be grown-ups about this stuff, and the ordinance (as suggested by PC) isn't all that onerous.

Some of the pro-ordinance speakers, on the other hand, made me want to punch the TV. Asserting, for instance, that "retail follows development" and "thus, sales tax revenue wouldn't be affected by this change (smaller stores would replace the big boxes) - well, I can drive to Pflugerville to shop at a big box if you force it outside our city limits, hence, YES, a decline in sales tax revenue. Idiots.

[AC]

I thought it was telling that there were only two or three NG reps there, with the heavyweights staying home. Most of the speakers were reps for incumbent businesses.

If the City Council follows through and creates a new zoning category, I don't see how the new ordinance will be much different from what we have now. Except when local homeowners are clamoring for big-box retail, I imagine the boxes will generally just seek a zoning change rather than a CU permit.