Ban most ground-floor businesses except retail in 3 shopping areas

The HilltopZoningOrdinance

In Plain English

The city wants to limit what types of businesses can occupy ground-floor spaces along Macdonald Avenue, 23rd Street, and near Hilltop Mall. Only certain retail stores would be allowed in these areas. If approved, other business types like offices or services must locate on upper floors or elsewhere.

Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.

Votes

To adopt the urgency ordinance

Failed

7 to 2

ABBGMMRTV

Why This Vote Matters

A proposal to restrict ground-floor businesses along Macdonald Avenue, 23rd Street, and near Hilltop Mall to retail stores only failed despite receiving majority support. The urgency ordinance would have forced offices and service businesses to locate on upper floors or elsewhere in the city. While seven council members supported the restrictions, the measure needed seven votes to pass as an urgency ordinance, and it fell short when Butt and McLaughlin voted against it. The failed vote means current zoning rules remain in place, allowing various business types to continue operating at street level in these commercial areas.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.

To receive first reading of said ordinance

Passed

6 to 2

ABBGMMRTV

Why This Vote Matters

The council approved new restrictions on what types of businesses can open on the ground floor along Macdonald Avenue, 23rd Street, and near Hilltop Mall, limiting these spaces primarily to retail stores. The ordinance would force offices and service businesses to locate on upper floors or find space elsewhere in the city. The measure passed with solid support in a 6-2 vote, with council members Butt and McLaughlin dissenting. This represents the first reading of the urgency ordinance, meaning it will likely come back for final approval at a future meeting.

Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.