GARDEN GROVE : Moratorium on New Businesses Extended

While the city completes a parking study, the City Council has extended an ordinance banning the opening of new churches, businesses and other facilities that require extensive parking.

Council members voted 4 to 0 last week to extend the moratorium until August while a consultant reviews the city’s parking standards and suggests changes. The temporary ban was enacted in September and due to expire last Friday.

Under the ordinance, no permits will be granted to churches, gas stations, assembly halls, dance studios, professional offices or trade schools. The temporary ban includes restaurants with a license from the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to sell liquor and wine and restaurants that provide entertainment.

Exempted are family-oriented small restaurants that do not require extensive parking, according to J. David Kennon, director of development services.

Kennon said the moratorium will give the city time to complete a parking study, adopt changes in city codes and enact a new ordinance setting guidelines for land uses, including churches.

Last month, the city awarded a $15,000 contract to O’Rourke Engineering of Santa Ana to conduct the study, which is expected to be completed this month. A proposed parking ordinance could go before the council in February, Kennon said.

The ordinance prohibits issuing new building permits for construction, additions or improvements to existing buildings. Exempted are requests for extension or renewal of conditional-use permits, site plans and building permits which were approved before the temporary ban was enacted.