Some Hutchinson Planning Commission members showed no interest Tuesday in pursuing regulations that would require future dollar stores to dedicate a certain percentage of space for fresh foods, but they voted to return to the subject Oct. 8.
City staff is recommending an amendment to zoning regulations that would require new small-box variety stores or dollar stores to obtain a conditional use permit and have a design standard of a minimum of 10% of retail floor area dedicated to the sale of fresh food and fresh frozen food.
“What we are talking about is not a ban on these stores,” said city planning and development director Ryan Hvitlok, but a “minimal” regulation that would align with the city’s 20-year Comprehensive Plan that promotes access to healthy food options.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)