|
|
|
|
The New Rules Project
Formula businesses include retail stores, restaurants, hotels and other establishments that are required by contract to adopt standardized services, methods of operation, decor, uniforms, architecture or other features virtually identical to businesses located in other communities.
Several communities have banned certain types of formula businesses. These laws do not prevent a chain store from coming in, but they do require that the incoming chain not look or operate like any other branch in the country. This has proved a significant deterrent to chains, which generally refuse to veer from their standardized, cookie-cutter approach.
Several towns have banned formula restaurants (Bainbridge Island, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Sanibel and Solvang). Others have limited the number of formula restaurants allowed within their borders (see Arcata) Most of these ordinance apply citywide, but they may also be written to cover only specific areas within the community (see Port Jefferson). Some communities have restricted other types of formula businesses. Calistoga, California, bars both formula restaurants and visitor accommodations, and requires formula retail stores to apply for a special use permit from the Planning Commission. Coronado, California, limits the number of formula restaurants allowed and requires formula retail stores to pass a special review and comply with certain restrictions.Formula businesses include retail stores, restaurants, hotels and other establishments that are required by contract to adopt standardized services, methods of operation, decor, uniforms, architecture or other features virtually identical to businesses located in other communities.
Coronado's formula retail ordinance was upheld by a California Appeals Court decision in June 2003.
Port Jefferson NY
On June 26, 2000, Port Jefferson, New York enacted an ordinance barring formula fast food restaurants from the village's historic commercial and waterfront districts. The measure was proposed by the Port Jefferson Civic Association, which has fought to prevent McDonald's from locating in the village center and to protect the community's unique character and ambiance
Sausalito CA
The city has determined that preserving a balanced mix of local, regional, and national-based businesses and small and medium sized businesses will maintain and promote the long-term economic health of visitor-serving businesses and the community as a whole. Therefore, the over-concentration of formula retail businesses will not be allowed, and all permitted formula retail establishments shall create a unique visual appearance that reflect and/or complement the distinctive and unique historical character of Sausalito, and that no such establishment shall project a visual appearance that is homogenous with its establishments in other communities.
The New Rules Project
|
|
