Monday Essentials: Council to Vote on Chain Store Ordinance Tonight

Here's a handful of things to know before the vote on the proposed formula retail ordinance tonight.

• The vote: The Malibu City Council is set to vote tonight on whether to approve a proposed formula retail ordinance, which would put limits on new chain stores in the Civic Center area of Malibu.
• Background: The Malibu Planning Commission voted in late July to oppose the ordinance in its recommendation to the Malibu City Council, calling for clarification in several portions. The council has the option to side with the planning commission or make its own findings. 
  
• Where to go: The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at Malibu City Hall. 
• Proponents: Some Malibu residents, including the group Preserve Malibu, has advocated for the implementation of a formula retail ordinance, and other measures. The group says over the past five to six years, more than 40 corporate chains have come into Malibu. Preserve Malibu says it has plans to pursue a ballot initiative if the Malibu City Council does not approve the ordinance. 
  
• Opponents: Developers and commercial property owners in Malibu have spoken out against the ordinance, promising legal action if it moves forward. Some say it is fraught with unintended consequences.