§ 106.42.070. Convenience Stores

Where allowed by Article 2 (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses), convenience stores shall comply with the requirements of this Section.

A.

Permit requirement. A convenience store is a permitted use in the zones where a convenience store is identified as allowable by Article 2 (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses), except that a Use Permit is required if:

1.

The site is less than 500 feet from a residential zone; or

2.

The site is less than 1,000 feet from the property line of a K-12 public or private school; or

3.

The store will be open for business between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; or

4.

Any alcoholic beverages are to be sold.

B.

Outdoor lighting. Project lighting levels shall be as follows: one foot-candle of minimum maintained illumination per square foot of parking surface during business hours and 0.25 foot-candles of minimum maintained illumination per square foot of surface on any walkway, alcove, passageway, etc., from one-half hour before dusk to one-half hour after dawn. All light fixtures shall be vandal-resistant, and shall also comply with the requirements of Section 106.30.070 (Outdoor Lighting).

C.

Litter removal. Management shall be responsible for the removal of litter from adjacent property and streets that results from this project (with adjacent property owner consent).

D.

Security plan. Project shall incorporate a variety of security measures that provide safety for employees and patrons of the convenience store.

1.

Windows. Window placement and design shall allow for window surveillance by employees of all outside areas from the employees primary work positions. Windows shall be clear of any signs, merchandise, or other materials at all times, between three feet and six feet in height from ground level. No more than 25 percent of the combined total window area may be covered with signage, advertising, etc. as described in the signage regulations section of the zoning code.

2.

Security systems and training. Building security systems and employee training shall be used to resist crime attempts. The following minimum measures shall be implemented. Alternate security measures may be approved by the Chief of Police.

a.

Employers shall provide employee training on safety and security, education on alcohol awareness, checking various forms of identification, and detecting and preventing illegal activity;

b.

Store shall have an interior layout that provides visibility for the cashier e.g. low display counters, two-way mirrors, or other methods that would provide visibility including corners or hidden area;

c.

The cashier station shall be designed to be visible from the parking area. Windows or doors shall not be blocked with posters or signs. Counters shall be maintained free from excess displays to enhance the visibility of the cashier station;

d.

A timed drop safe shall be provided adjacent to the cashier station. Premises shall be posted accordingly;

e.

The installation of height tape next to exit;

f.

A prominently displayed video camera for identifying criminals. The video camera should include a device that records 24 hours of video directly on to a DVD/DVR recorder; and

g.

The owner shall maintain a library of the recorded digital video for a minimum of seven days.

E.

Required signs. Signs shall be posted prohibiting loitering and the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the business or in the parking areas, and any other signs as required by the City.

(Ord. No. 2008-15, § 1, 12-11-2008; Ord. No. 2010-001, § 1, 1-28-2010)