PORT TOWNSEND — A City Council committee is researching what it calls cutting-edge legislation that could establish rules on the interior appearance of chain stores locating in the community.
The “formula store” ordinance being considered by the council’s Community Development Committee would also restrict development of such businesses to certain locations in town.
Similar ordinances — passed by only a few cities throughout the nation — are meant to prevent “cookie cutter” businesses and allow towns to preserve their unique, historic character, city officials have said.
But the legality of such an ordinance — which could cap the number of chain stores or ban fast-food restaurants outright — has raised concerns from a council member and the city attorney.
Councilwoman Freida Fenn, who introduced the idea during a City Council retreat in January, said Thursday the ordinance should not proceed further.
Community Development committee members Mayor Kees Kolff and Councilwoman Michelle Sandoval did not return calls for comment Thursday.
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The rest of this story appears in the Friday/Saturday Peninsula Daily News Jefferson County edition. Click on “Subscribe” to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.