What size store would need a Conditional Use Permit?
Other cities with similar ordinances have generally set the trigger at about 100,000 square feet, though some have chosen to go with much lower number. The 100,000 square-foot trigger would still allow a very large store to be built without a Conditional Use Permit. For example, the HEB supermarket at Hancock Center (41st & 1-35) is less than 100,000 square feet and would not require a Conditional Use Permit under this proposal. We believe 100,000 square feet is a generally acceptable size to trigger a Conditional Use Permit requirement, but we have purposely left this number undefined in our proposal to City Council because we feel the appropriate figure deserves a fuller public discussion. The Conditional Use Permit requirement is intended to apply only to the massive new supercenters, not traditional-sized supermarkets or retail stores. The number that triggers the C.U.P. must accurately reflect that goal.
