I am writing in response to Andrew Khouri’s article “Burbank Aims to Simplify Zoning Regulations for Business,” which appeared in the April 30 edition. The City of Burbank will ‘stick it’ to the small commercial property owners in Burbank. Current users will now be required to go through a conditional use permit (CUP) process if they move to another location with the same zoning. New commercial lessees will have to have CUPs, as well. A CUP can cost $1,800 and take up to six months. Smaller commercial users simply can’t wait that long or cough up the money. At no time has city staff stated any material fact or credible reason for zoning changes. No one is complaining about the approval process to the extent a change is needed. All cities have approval processes that some businesses don’t like. This is just the nature of city government. But it does not warrant a careless and expedited effort on the city staff’s part to push this through. Most, if not all, property owners have no knowledge this is coming. Those who are most affected will be the small business owners — the little guy and gal working to support city employees’ pay and benefits! And this is their thanks. Please don’t let this go. Burbank’s attempt at intelligent design will be a terrible mistake. Darin Chase, Burbank resident and broker associate, Re/Max Real Estate Services
