Commercial Streamlining Amendments
This project updated regulations for the commercial, mixed use, and downtown zones of the City to remove outdated or redundant requirements for new businesses and related services. These amendments do not modify or reduce requirements for other permits or licenses (building, fire, business licenses, etc.). Updates include:
- Day care centers: permitted in all residential districts, as well as the Community Commercial, Open Space, and Public and Semipublic Districts.
- Home-based business: updated regulations, including removal of the requirement for a home occupation permit. Allowed business types include limited at-home instruction, personal services, retail and horticulture.
- Studios: in the Town Core Zone, permitted up to 1500 square feet floor area and conditionally permitted if exceeding 1500 square feet.
- Alcoholic beverage sales: permitted when accessory to tasting, microbrewery, neighborhood market. As primary use (e.g., bottle shop, liquor store), a use permit is required.
- Bars, taverns / drinking establishments: the 9 pm threshold for permitted use is extended to 10 pm. A use permit is required for operations after 10 pm. Nightclubs are not permitted.
- Live entertainment: permitted in the Mixed Use-Infill, General Commercial and Waterfront Commercial districts when located indoors and accessory to an eating or drinking establishment.
- Mobile food vending: updated regulations to remove the mobile food vending permit, clarify regulations, and remove the parking requirement.
- Health/fitness facilities: permitted in all commercial districts, mixed use districts, and Town Core Zone, and conditionally permitted in certain industrial areas.
- Commercial recreation: permitted in the General Commercial and Mixed Use-Infill Districts and Town Core Zone; and is a conditional use in the Community Commercial District. In the Limited Industrial District, commercial recreation is conditionally permitted for single-tenant indoor sports training, archery and shooting galleries within geographic parameters.
Ordinance No. 25-9 amending the Benicia Municipal Code (Effective September 18, 2025)
Resolution No. 25-101 amending the Downtown Mixed Use Master Plan (Effective August 6, 2025)
