From a City of Piedmont press release on August 16:
The City Council will hold a study session to discuss future zoning code updates intended to streamline the permitting process for new businesses in Piedmont’s commercial areas on Monday, Aug. 19.
Changes under consideration include permitting certain types of businesses “by right” – meaning they could open without a public hearing process as long as they meet specific standards defined in the zoning code. For business types that continue to require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), proposed updates would clarify and streamline the permitting process. These changes would apply only in existing commercial and mixed-use zones along Grand and
Highland Avenues.
City Council Session: Permitted Commercial Uses and Conditional Use Permits
Monday, August 19, 6:00 pm | Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue
Zoom: piedmont-ca-gov.zoom.us/j/82500567382
Agenda | Staff Report
Community members can provide comment at the meeting in-person or via Zoom. This is a discussion item only – no decisions will be made.
Study session builds on community survey, Planning Commission discussions
This discussion builds on Planning Commission study sessions in July and August 2024, as well as a community survey conducted earlier this summer. Survey respondents indicated strong support for encouraging local businesses that provide social gathering spaces and amenities that enhance overall quality of life. Of 16 potential
business types, responses most favored by-right permitting for restaurants/cafés, tutoring/lessons, and personal services (salons, barbers).
Streamlined permit process will include clear standards for permitted uses
In their survey responses, community members stressed the importance of businesses that integrate well with the existing neighborhoods and the need to be mindful of potential negative impacts.
Standards for each permitted business type, defined in the zoning code, provide the core tool for ensuring these concerns are addressed. For example, the code might define café as a permitted use, but also include standards such as:
• cafés can’t serve alcohol
• cafés can’t operate after 8 p.m.
• cafés can’t offer drive-through service
The standards would address topics such as number of staff, floor area sizes, limits on the types of sales and service, hours of operation, loading zones, and delivery hours.
Following the study session, Planning staff will further refine proposed zoning code revisions based on input received at the meeting and continue to solicit feedback from the community regarding permitted business types. When complete, the revisions would be considered for approvals at public hearings by the Planning Commission and City Council.
Learn more
• Planning Commission Study Session #1 (July 8, 2024)
Staff Report | Meeting Video
• Planning Commission Study Session #2 (August 12, 2024)
Staff Report | Meeting Video
• Commercial Uses Community Survey Results
For more information, or to provide input via email, contact Associate Planner Gopika Nair at
gnair@piedmont.ca.gov.