Michael Koss: Retail Ordinance Would be Damaging to Malibu

Michael Koss, the owner of the Malibu Country Mart, expressed concerns Thursday about a draft ordinance seeking to limit chain stores in Malibu.

The city of Malibu released the draft formula retail ordinance Tuesday, which is open to public comment through April 11.

Koss said in a statement:

I continue to be extremely concerned that the City of Malibu is pursuing further government regulation to restrict commercial property owners through its draft formula retail ordinance.

Studies from both the Planning Department and independent economists have indicated that Malibu’s retail community is already diverse with respect to its tenant mix and there is not an over-saturation of formula retailers.

Government interference would be damaging to the commercial property environment, the tenants and the community as shopping choices will no longer be determined by the buying patterns of the Malibu residents and visitors.

In November, the Malibu City Council voted to direct city staff to draft an ordinance to require a conditional use permit for any new chain businesses in shopping centers with more than 10,000 square feet in the Civic Center area.

The draft ordinance exempts grocery stores, gas stations and banks.

The ordinance is part of an effort to maintain Malibu's character in existing and planned development in the Civic Center.