Economic Review For Superstores?

Sacramento, CA — Cities and counties may have to start requiring an Economic Impact Report before approving the construction of big box stores.

The California Senate approved a bill yesterday that requires economic impact reports be completed to look at the effects that a project will have on smaller businesses in the community. All 14 Republicans in the Senate voted against the legislation saying that it would create additional burdens for employers. The proposed law would only apply to businesses that have over 90,000 square feet of sales space. It would not apply to superstores that have membership requirements, such as Costco and Sam’s Club.

The legislation now moves onto the Assembly for debate.