New Zoning Rules Proposed for Massage Businesses, Tattoo Shops

The operator of the 76 Gas Station at 1716 Webster St. wants space for a new, larger convenience store, while city planners want to revise the rules for tattoo parlors and massage therapy in commercial districts. Both issues will come before the Alameda Planning Board tonight.

The board will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the city's zoning regulations that would allow massage businesses to operate on the ground floor in "community commercial" zones with a conditional use permit and on the second floor with no use permitted required.

"Community commercial" zoning includes the business areas along Webster Street and Park Street, and planners say the proposed new rules have been worked out in cooperation with the West Alameda Business Association and the Park Street Business Association.

The proposal would also prohibit tattoo parlors on the ground floor along Webster Street, a change prompted by community opposition to a new tattoo shop earlier this year. (The application was later withdrawn.) Tattoo businesses would be allowed on the second floor.

76 Gas Station

The operator of the on Webster Street wants to demolish the existing 1,552 sq. ft. building which houses three service bays and a small convenience store, and replace it with a 2,575 sq. ft. building. The new structure would house a larger convenience store and would be closer to side and rear property lines. The applicant also wants permission to sell alcohol in the convenience store.

City planning staff have raised questions about how close the new building would be to its neighbors. They have also suggested that no alcohol sales be permitted after midnight.

The Planning Board meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 9, in the City Hall council chambers, 2263 Santa Clara Ave. The meeting agenda and related staff reports are available on the City of Alameda website.