Council Approves Commercial Zoning on Katella

The aging office buildings along Katella Avenue could soon be home to retail shops and takeout restaurants under a zoning ordinance amendment aimed at bringing new businesses to the city.

The City Council on Monday unanimously voted to allow commercial uses for the two- and three-story buildings strung along Katella east of Los Alamitos Boulevard. The council hopes the move will draw businesses such as dry cleaners, dance schools, locksmiths, banks and food markets that could help boost Los Alamitos’ sales tax revenue.

“When the zoning allowed only administrative and professional uses, it limited the market for prospective tenants,” said David Lepo, the city’s community development director. “This [change] will allow more flexibility for the reuse of the buildings.”

Other uses the city will consider in the office structures include theaters, bowling alleys, motels, gas stations and auto dealerships.

Lepo said most of the office buildings were built in the 1970s. Many are vacant and considered an eyesore, he said.

The city already has an applicant that wants to open a ballet school in one of the buildings under the new zoning change.

“We are adapting the buildings to changing times,” Councilman Ronald Bates said. “Ultimately, we may find a positive financial impact on the city.”