SANTA ANA : Auto Repair Shop Ordinance Fails

Against the recommendations of the Planning Commission and city staff, the City Council has rejected an ordinance that would have set stricter standards of appearance for service stations and auto repair shops.

The proposal was defeated when the council deadlocked in a 3-3 vote. Councilman Miguel Pulido, whose family owns Ace Muffler Shop in Santa Ana, abstained.

The new standards would have affected new businesses or existing businesses planning extensive remodeling.

The service station portion of the ordinance was aimed at stations with convenience stores. It would have required stations to have a frontage landscaping, five-foot planters around all buildings, a six-foot wall along the rear and side property lines and enough room for two-way traffic in some areas.

Among the requirements for auto repair businesses would have been enclosed trash areas, loading zones, planters and block walls.

Councilman John Acosta opposed the new standards, saying they were unfair to independent business owners and would prevent them from upgrading their shops.

“I don’t know where this anti-automotive attitude comes from, but it is very apparent to me that we’re trying to squeeze out that little guy who we all need,” Acosta said.