San Gabriel : Mission District Restrictions

To protect the city’s long-range plan for attracting tourists and shoppers to the historic Mission district, the City Council has approved temporary restrictions on the types of new uses permitted in the area.

During the 45-day moratorium, the city will continue to allow establishment of restaurants, retail stores, and businesses catering to tourists. Upper-story offices, offices off the street, and businesses featuring entertainment would have to qualify for special permits from the city.

The city would prohibit introduction of any other uses, including offices fronting on the street at ground level. City Administrator P. Michael Paules said such offices and service businesses such as repair shops would not draw visitors to the district during the evening.

The council passed the measure 4 to 0, with Vice Mayor Sabino M. Cici absent, despite objections by Thomas McCay, a spokesman for the San Gabriel Masonic Temple. McCay said the ordinance could hinder the temple’s pending sale to a church.