Gas Station Stores Gain Initial Approval
As part of its ongoing efforts to boost business, the City Council has given preliminary approval to an ordinance that will allow gas stations to open convenience stores.
Several gas station owners had contacted the Newport Harbor Chamber of Commerce about abolishing a 25-year-old ordinance prohibiting them from opening convenience stores on gas station lots.
Councilman John W. Hedges said Monday that there was a lot of evidence that stations were having trouble surviving in Newport Beach.
From a high of 44, the number of service stations in Newport Beach has dropped to 17 in recent years.
Planning Director Patty Temple said the local situation was similar to that of cities across the state.
In most places, she said, service stations are boosting sales by selling food and drinks to stay in business.
The proposal, drafted by the city’s Economic Development Committee, must go before the Planning Commission before it can get the council’s final approval.
The change would require station owners to obtain a permit before adding a convenience store.
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