Agoura Hills May Ease Sidewalk Sales Restrictions

Agoura Hills officials, saying they want to help stimulate business for the city’s merchants, are considering easing restrictions on sidewalk sales.

Under current city zoning, merchants are allowed to have sidewalk displays twice a year with a temporary-use permit, which costs $83. The Department of Planning and Community Development has proposed amending the zoning ordinance to allow merchants to stage sidewalk displays once a month without a permit.

The city has restricted sidewalk sales to avoid potential eyesores and safety hazards, Community Development Director Dave Anderson said. But about two years ago, at the urging of merchants, the city allowed merchants to hold sidewalk sales monthly on a trial basis, officials said.

The one-year experiment met with “mixed results,” said Anderson, in that some merchants failed to comply with regulations established by the city to prevent unsightly displays and protect public safety. Despite those concerns, Anderson said, but his department decided to back the latest proposed amendment because the Agoura Chamber of Commerce and numerous merchants have promised to help regulate it.

Brandy Paterak-McCavic, president of the chamber, said she believes the amendment would help improve strained relations between her organization and the city.

The Planning Commission will discuss the proposed amendment at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 30101 Agoura Court. The commission will make a recommendation to the City Council, which has final say.