Imagine a city planning regime that doesn't privilege retail chain stores

From "S.F. grows ever more hostile to chain stores," in the San Francisco Chronicle:

The city's restrictions on new chain stores have become increasingly tough over the past few years. In 2003, the Board of Supervisors approved a law requiring proposed coffeehouses and pharmacies to provide notice of their intent to open. That made it easier for opponents to request Planning Commission hearings and to argue against the stores.

In 2006, voters passed Proposition G, obligating the Planning Commission to hold public hearings on any proposed chain store and to decide whether it is appropriate based on the stores already in the area, architectural compatibility and other considerations.

Businesses fall under that law if they are retail sales establishments with 11 or more U.S. stores that maintain two or more standardized features, including decor, facade, color scheme, uniforms, signage or trademark.

Since 2006, seven of 12 chain store applications have been approved in San Francisco. The others were rejected or the applications were withdrawn...

"The Planning Department believes that the permit process works and that you don't need a total ban," said Tara Sullivan-Lenane, a city planner. "The permit applications allow for neighborhood concerns to be heard and the neighborhoods aren't all the same, so they have unique concerns and interests."