Established in 1990 by Cape Cod voters and made up of representatives of each of the Cape’s fifteen towns, the Cape Cod Commission has the authority to review, and reject, development projects that could significantly impact the peninsula’s economy and environment. Continue reading
In 2005, following a heated debate over a proposed big-box development, the town of Westbrook, Maine, adopted a zoning provision that require retail projects of 10 acres or more to undergo an economic impact analysis. The Planning Board must consider the study in deciding whether to approve or reject the project. Continue reading
Santa Cruz requires new retail stores over 16,000 square feet to obtain a special permit, with approval hinging on whether they add to a balanced and diverse mix of downtown businesses. Continue reading
The City of Mount Shasta, California, caps stores at 50,000 square feet and requires proposals for stores over 20,000 square feet to undergo an economic impact review and obtain a conditional use permit. Continue reading
In determining whether to approve or deny proposals for retail development, the Middletown Planning Board evaluates the project’s impact on traffic, municipal services, the environment, and the character of the community. Continue reading
Los Angeles requires proposed supercenters to pass an economic impact review in order to gain approval. Continue reading
Homer prohibits stores over 75,000 square feet and requires proposals for stores larger than 15,000 square feet to undergo a community impact review. Continue reading
Greenfield, Massachusetts, requires proposed retail stores to undergo a special review if they are to exceed 20,000 square feet or generate more than 500 vehicle trips per day. Continue reading
Among the most comprehensive of the municipal impact review laws, this proposed ordinance in Cranston, Rhode Island, would apply to all development projects involving retail stores of 75,000 square feet or more. It stipulates that these projects must undergo an independent economic impact analysis. Continue reading
Carbondale’s plannign policy requires the town’s planning staff and city council to weigh the community and fiscal impacts of a large-scale retail proposal before deciding whether to approve or deny the project. The ordinance applies to any retail development larger than 15,000 square feet in neighborhood business districts and those larger than 30,000 square feet in other areas. Continue reading
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