Los Rios Plaza uses expansion study (CA 26-001)
Summary
A proposed zoning tweak would modernize what businesses can open on two Los Rios Street parcels — 13 retail uses added, three removed. Supporters call it economic survival for the historic district; Council Member Hart worries it's a slippery slope toward turning the petting-zoo property into a River Street Marketplace extension.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jul 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
The applicant projects additional sales tax revenue for the city from expanded commercial activity.
The applicant and visitors seeking more retail options in the historic district.
Hart argues incremental changes erode the historic character residents have fought to preserve.
Mentions & discussions (3)
City Council and Successor Agency Meeting - Jul 21, 2026
A proposed amendment to the Los Rios Specific Plan would let the plaza add bakeries, day spas, fitness centers, live music, markets and food-and-beverage tasting — potentially boosting sales tax and vitality near the historic district. The council also asked staff to study merging the Low Density Office and Low Density Commercial districts.
City Council and Housing Authority Meeting - Mar 3, 2026
The applicant wants to modernize what businesses can operate in the historic Los Rios commercial district. Staff says the 90% open-area requirement means there's almost no room left to build anything new, addressing fears of a River Street Marketplace expansion.
City Council and Successor Agency Meeting - Feb 17, 2026
A proposed zoning tweak would modernize what businesses can open on two Los Rios Street parcels — 13 retail uses added, three removed. Supporters call it economic survival for the historic district; Council Member Hart worries it's a slippery slope toward turning the petting-zoo property into a River Street Marketplace extension.
Related development
Code Amendment (CA) 26-001 — Los Rios Specific Plan LDO District
If approved, the petting-zoo property could host boutiques, flower shops and similar retail by right — though 90% open space requirements mean little can physically be built.
Code Amendment (CA) 25-003 — Los Rios Specific Plan Amendment
The district's 90% open-area rule means only about 347 square feet of new building area remains, so fears of a full marketplace expansion appear limited.
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