The City Council recently approved a variety of proposed economic incentives to reduce vacant storefronts and ease the process of opening a business locally.
Notably, the council has officially approved the Downtown Vibrancy Ordinance, raising upkeep standards for vacant storefronts downtown.
Other incentives seek to lower barriers to starting a business, including the waiving of some planning and building fees. Business owners seeking building permits now also have the option of a free pre-application review meetings.
The city also instituted free pre-application review meetings for those seeking building permits. Intended to quicken building permit approvals, the consultations allow business owners and their designers to get their questions answered before submitting formal applications.
“This is about making it easier to start a business in Santa Cruz,” said Councilmember Scott Newsome. “We’re offering real incentives to help fill vacant storefronts in a way that benefits the community.”
In addition to the approved incentives, a series of amendments to the Downtown Plan and Zoning Code is currently under review by city staff. With the the goal of streamlining the permitting process for new businesses, these changes still require approval by the Planning Commission, City Council, and Coastal Commission.
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