The Planning Commission will consider proposed zoning updates that would allow certain commercial uses – including fitness studios, bakeries, and restaurants and cafes – “by right” in certain areas on Monday, August 11.

Planning Commission: Permitted Commercial Uses and Conditional Use Permit process
Monday, August 11, 5:30 pm | Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue
Zoom: piedmont-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/81755778036
Agenda | Staff Report

Under the proposal, certain types of businesses would be permitted “by right.” These businesses:

• would be able to open in existing commercial and mixed-use zones along Grand and Highland Avenues without a public hearing process

• would be required to conform to operating standards to ensure that new businesses are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood

For businesses that still require a conditional use permit (CUP), the process would be simplified:

• CUP applications would be acted on by the Planning Commission
• Only one public hearing would be required
• Planning Commission decisions could be appealed to the City Council

Community members can provide comment at the meeting in-person or via Zoom.

Permitted business types and operating standards shaped by community input

The proposal follows a year-long development and discussion process that included two public surveys and several study sessions with the Planning Commission and City Council. Community feedback was used to create both the list of permitted business types, and to refine proposed performance standards.

The list of permitted business types includes:

• Food and beverage: Bakery, restaurants and cafes, Wine shops
• Retail: Art and Craft store, Book store, Bike shop, Clothing store, Florist shops, , Hardware store
• Services: Hair salons and barbers, Office, Photography studio, Tutoring Center
• Fitness: Dance studio, Fitness center, Martial Arts studio, Yoga studio

The City Council is expected to consider the proposal this fall, after the Planning Commission’s recommendation.

Learn more about this initiative and see materials and video from previous discussions at piedmont.ca.gov/PermittedCommercialUses. To provide input via email, contact Senior Planner Gopika Nair at [email protected].