Downey City Council to consider temporary ban on new discount stores

(Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

DOWNEY — The Downey City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting today at 4:30 p.m. to consider placing a 45-day moratorium on new single-price overstock and discount stores within city limits.

According to the meeting agenda, the proposed urgency ordinance would temporarily prohibit the approval, establishment, relocation, or expansion of such stores while city officials evaluate their long-term impact on the community.

The moratorium comes as Dollar Tree prepares to open its fourth location in Downey. Its latest store will open at the former Party City site at the Downey Landing.

City staff are recommending the moratorium under Government Code Section 65858, which allows local governments to adopt temporary zoning restrictions to preserve the public welfare while longer-term regulations are considered.