VP Middleton and CW Ramos Collaborate on Small Box Store Legislation

Council Vice President Middleton and I are sponsoring 25-0040 Zoning - Uses - Retail: Small Box Establishment. This bill defines Dollar Stores and small box stores. It also mandates that in commercial zoning districts, these small box stores will be a conditional use that needs to be approved by the zoning board, which allows the community to have input in a public hearing. It also states that no two small box retail stores can be less than ½ mile apart.

The definition of a small box retail store in our bill is a retail goods establishment that has between 5,000 and 12,000 square feet of retail space, is part of a chain of stores having more than 10 locations in Baltimore City regardless of ownership, and offers for sale assorted inexpensive goods in small units. 

Dollar Stores have proliferated across our city, and in some cases there are two next to each other. While residents often complain about the trash and mismanagement of the exterior of the store, there are also serious concerns about the impact on communities and other retailers.

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance conducted a study regarding dollar stores across the country. It found that the increase in dollar stores reduces fresh food options. Also, the cost for the type of product is not as advantageous to our struggling communities as one might think.

The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health also conducted a study here in Baltimore City at the request of Senator Mary Washington of the 43rd Legislative District. They found that instead of banning the dollar stores, working with them to set priorities and holding them accountable would be preferable.

Councilwoman Middleton has been leading the charge to curb dollar stores and hold them accountable. Together, the legislation we are introducing today provides for that accountability and weakens the opportunity for proliferation of the dollar stores in our city.