There is another proposal that aims to mandate that all cities and towns allow “small businesses” in all residential zones but the scale of “small” is not what you would expect for neighborhoods.

The title and intent of SB 5421, sponsored by Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D–Bellingham), speaks to the important role and need that small businesses play in our communities. And the desire to “encourage cities to facilitate the establishment of compatible businesses within residential areas.” While it is certainly true that small businesses play a vital role in every city and town, the bill’s provisions take a very different turn:

• A city or town must allow “neighborhood businesses” to be permitted in any residential zone under very specific conditions, including route deliveries, signage, hours, and noise mitigation.
• “Neighborhood business” is defined to include retail up to 10,000 square feet. That’s huge for a requirement to impose on every neighborhood in the state.

Cities have and continue to incorporate neighborhood businesses into their land use codes but in a way that works for those residents. Passing restrictive mandates in state law takes away the voice of every resident to decide what it should look like in their neighborhood. That’s the role of city council.

Date to remember

SB 5421 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Local Government Committee on Thursday, February 6 at 1:30 pm.