Covina : Rules for Indoor Swap Meets
The City Council has stopped short of prohibiting indoor swap meets but will implement strict guidelines to regulate multiple-tenant businesses.
The council voted 3 to 1 Tuesday in favor of a plan to allow four or more retail businesses in one building. Amended conditions require new businesses to have a minimum of 400 square feet of floor area, aisles must be a minimum of 20 feet wide, and there must be at least 1,000 square feet of building area per tenant, if more than two occupy a retail or office complex.
Councilman Tom O’Leary voted against the plan, saying such businesses would attract crime and graffiti.
The Covina Indoor Swapmeet on East Arrow Highway has seven years to conform to the new rules or close.
The council will vote on a formal ordinance Dec. 17.
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