Forumula retail restrictions

For the most part, DC doesn't have restrictions on chain retail. Other communities do, including San Francisco. DC1974 sends along this article, "Chain store ban divides Castro merchants" from the Bay Area Reporter, about the possibility of restrictions on new chains in the Castro District. From the article:

A proposed ban against formula retail in the Castro turned the neighborhood's usually sleepy monthly merchants' meeting into a boisterous affair last week as the concept received its first official airing before storeowners.

Supporters of instituting a ban on chain stores in the city's gay commercial center are floating a proposal that would restrict such retailers from opening stores along Castro Street between Market and 19th streets and along 18th Street between Hartford and Collingwood streets. Those chain retailers already open in the Castro would be grandfathered in under the plan.

Proponents have suggested the ban could be imposed on a six-month trial basis. They argue that allowing chain stores to move into the commercial district drives up rents and forces out "mom and mom" and "pop and pop" storeowners. Supporters argue that when a locally owned business closes it doors, the area's gay identity diminishes in its absence. ...

When the ban was imposed in Hayes Valley in 2003, the legislation made formula retail a "conditional use" in Cole Valley, requiring city approval. Last year the Board of Supervisors required heightened scrutiny of chain stores citywide.

Now national bank chain Washington Mutual is eyeing the vacant camera store space at the corner of 18th and Castro streets. Sources have told the B.A.R. that Washington Mutual representatives have been in talks with the landlord and have made inquiries with city planners regarding use of the space. The bank has also considered moving into the Dulux paint store space on 15th Street near Sanchez and Market streets, outside of the area covered by the proposed ban. ...

Under existing city codes any financial institution looking to open in the Castro is required to apply for a conditional use permit. And under legislation passed by the Board of Supervisors, any store with 11 or more outlets nationwide must now receive a conditional use permit before opening anywhere in the city.

On the other hand, in the story "Castro mulls ways to fill vacancies," the local elected official recommends that the area should be marketed as a district to chain retail stores.