El Monte : City Bans ‘Strip Centers’
The City Council has imposed a 45-day moratorium on multiple-occupancy commercial building projects--also known as strip centers--and conversion of retail buildings larger than 15,000 square feet to non-retail uses.
Officials said the shortage of large retail buildings in the city will be worsened by an increase in strip centers and building conversions.
The moratorium exempts projects in redevelopment areas, those for which a building permit will be issued within six months and those approved through waiver.
Guidelines for waivers will be developed by city staff and the Planning Commission, leading eventually to a new ordinance regulating strip centers and conversions, officials said.
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