Is the emergency moratorium needed for Large Scale Retail?

Is the emergency moratorium needed for Large Scale Retail?
Let the Planning Commission know what you think October 5th

On October 5, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. the Planning Commission will be holding a public hearing regarding the current moratorium on large scale retail establishments adopted by the City Council. The hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers on the 1st Floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building (747 Market Street). Please see the attached public notice.

At the City Council meeting on August 30, 2011, Ordinance No. 28014 was adopted, which put in place an emergency moratorium on the permitting of large scale retail establishments (those with a floor area greater than 65,000 square feet). The moratorium applies Citywide and was enacted for a duration of six months (until February 28, 2012). As stated in the ordinance, the purpose of the moratorium is to allow the City time to evaluate the impacts of these kinds of uses and consider potential changes to the applicable regulations and requirements.

As required, the moratorium has been referred to the Planning Commission to develop findings and recommendations for submittal to the City Council regarding the emergency moratorium. The Planning Commission is seeking public comment to assist them in formulating those findings and recommendations, particularly related to:

· Is the emergency moratorium needed?

· If so, what is the appropriate duration of the moratorium?

You are invited to come and testify at the hearing or provide written comments using the return address below no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, October 7, 2011, or by facsimile at (253) 591-2002 or via e-mail at planning@cityoftacoma.org.

If you have additional questions please feel free to contact Brian Boudet, Urban Planner, at (253) 573-2389.

Additional information, including the complete text of the moratorium ordinance adopted by the City Council, is available from the Community and Economic Development Department at the address below, and on the Planning Division website (www.cityoftacoma.org/planning - click on “Large Scale Retail Moratorium”)