In the Weekly Calistogan, May 10, 2011 edition, an article entitled “Calistoga rolls out welcome
mat for new businesses,” illustrates a change in attitude by the City to help business.

Apparently they plan to streamline and simplify the process for new businesses seeking permits
to operate within the city. It is interesting that they now just figure this out.  It is nearly two years
since the recession has supposedly been over. However, it feels like a real bad hang-over in the
way of a lackluster economy including the Golden State’s employment-less environment.
However, good for the City!  The changes include:

• Extending the amount of time a Conditional Use Permit remains valid after a business
use ceases operation, from six months to a year — with an option for a one-year extension
— provided the nature of the business use doesn’t change.

• Increasing the expiration date for approved Administrative Use Permits, Conditional Use
Permits, Design Review and Variance applications from one year to three years.

• Deferring collection of Development Impact Fees to the time a certificate of occupancy
is issued or as part of an approved payment plan.

• Allowing reuse of an existing commercial location without requiring additional parking
for nonconforming and higher demand uses. This could potentially save a startup or
expanding business $1,606 per parking space.

Better late than never. Keep drinking Calistoga!

Tim Johnson
California Business Minute