At one point or another, you have probably heard rumors that Coronado forbids franchises or “chain” stores/superstores to establish within the city limits. How, then, can we explain the existence of Burger King, Starbucks, or the forthcoming Walgreens? Simply put, chains or “formula” businesses ARE permitted, with certain caveats, and must first gain approval from the city’s Planning Commission.
The Coronado Municipal Code, an extensive outline of the rules and regulations of our city, contains something called the “Orange Avenue Corridor Specific Plan” (OACSP), which defines the stipulations for businesses to establish – such as allowable locations and zones. The OACSP contains lengthy sections on the laws of “formula business,” which is defined as any establishment that shares its name and logo/trademark with fifteen or more ‘commercial’ businesses, and sells a “formulaic” menu (at restaurants) or merchandise (at retail shops).
Map of Coronado’s commercial area outlined in the OACSP
(Image from Coronado Municipal Code – OACSP, Ch. I, Fig. I-3)
Though Walgreens definitely would be considered a formula business, establishments like Vigilucci’s and Nicky Rottens (despite being small chains with more than one location) would not. Other formula businesses and restaurants in town include:
- Starbucks
- Panera
- Cold Stone
- Sunglass Hut
- La Salsa
- Subway
- Domino’s
- Albertson’s
- Vons
- Rite Aid
- KFC/Taco Bell
- Bruegger’s Bagels
- Il Fornaio
- WineStyles
- plus several more
Formula businesses must submit an application to the Planning Commission in order to obtain a Minor Special Use Permit (MSUP) required for operation. Many small businesses do not require this permit to establish (these businesses are considered “permitted by right” in the OACSP), but larger facilities – like churches, car washes, nightclubs, theatres, hotels/motels, and parking structures – do.
“Formula” businesses…
Per the OACSP, formula businesses must be compatible with surrounding businesses, and be designed in an unobtrusive way. They must also reflect the ambience of Coronado and “contribute to an appropriate balance of small, medium, and large-sized businesses” (OACSP Chapter IV, section G.4.a) in town. The Planning Commission aims to keep Orange Avenue pedestrian- and family-friendly, and can deny applications to hopeful businesses if their design, purpose, or location does not seem appropriate to the feel of Coronado.
vs non-formula businesses
So what actually is prohibited from establishing in Coronado? Some things you’ll never see in town are –
- Pawn shops
- Tattoo/body art/piercing shops
- Storage facilities
- Court or jail facilities
- Massage-only establishments
- Kennels/retail sale of cats and dogs
- Funeral parlors/mortuaries
- Drive-thrus (banks excepted)
Though the OACSP contains no explanation of why these establishments are prohibited, it is quite apparent that any of the above would clash with the overall ambience and family-friendly vibe of Coronado.
What are your thoughts on formula or chain businesses? Would you prefer a town with only unique, independently owned shops or do you like the mixture of formula and non-formula businesses?
All information obtained from Coronado Municipal Code
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