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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC_10_27_2026_Public Comment Received by Email 805-466-2044 ∙ info@atascaderochamber.org www.atascaderochamber.org October 26, 2026 Atascadero City Council City of Atascadero Subject: Support for the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update October 27, 2026, Item G1 Dear Mayor and Council Members, On behalf of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, I am pleased to support the proposed Comprehensive Zoning Code Update. The update takes practical steps to make our regulations easier to understand, reduce unnecessary review, and create more opportunities for local businesses. We appreciate the work of City staff, the Planning Commission, and the Council to align the code with the community’s vision while improving the experience of doing business in Atascadero. Several provisions offer meaningful improvements over the previous code: Less burdensome approval for business uses. The staff report identifies a reduction from Planning Commission Conditional Use Permit review to Director-level Administrative Use Permit review for selected uses, including laundromats, production breweries, warehousing and wholesaling, and horticultural specialties with outdoor sales. Where applicable under the use tables, this provides a simpler path for businesses to establish or expand operations. [Chapter 9-2; staff report, pages 49 and 50] Hearings when needed rather than automatically required. Section 9-7.06.060(d)(2) states, “If no public hearing is requested,” the Director may consider the entitlement without a hearing. The staff report explains that this replaces the automatic hearing requirement for Administrative Use Permits and also applies to Precise Plans. It preserves public notice and participation while allowing straightforward applications to proceed more efficiently. More flexibility to fill existing commercial space. Section 9-3.36.050(b) allows permitted uses to interchange in tenant spaces smaller than 2,500 square feet without providing additional parking, subject to its stated conditions and safety review. This can help entrepreneurs reuse available space and reduce a common obstacle to opening a business. Fewer overlapping layers of design review. Eliminating the Design Review Committee removes a separate review step that the staff report identifies as increasingly duplicative of staff and Planning Commission responsibilities. Maintaining applicable design standards while reducing redundant review helps applicants move forward with greater predictability. [Staff report, pages 51 and 52] Public Comment Received by Email 10/27/26 City Council Meeting Item G1 805-466-2044 ∙ info@atascaderochamber.org www.atascaderochamber.org Support for businesses with employees working elsewhere. Section 9-4.36.030(c)(2) allows home occupations to have an unlimited number of employees who do not work at or report to the residence, provided no additional vehicles, equipment, or outside storage result. The staff report confirms removal of the Administrative Use Permit requirement in these circumstances, recognizing how many small businesses operate today. The reorganization of 18 chapters into eight, with clearer use tables and consolidated standards, is another valuable improvement. Business owners should be able to understand what is allowed, what approval is needed, and how to move forward without navigating scattered requirements. We encourage the Council to approve the updated Zoning Code. These changes demonstrate that thoughtful planning and a strong business climate can advance together. Thank you for your partnership and for making it easier for businesses to invest, create jobs, and serve our community. Sincerely, Josh Cross President & CEO Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Public Comment Received by Email 10/27/26 City Council Meeting Item G1