Neighborhood Scale Retail

The City of Renton is exploring opportunities to introduce small-scale commercial and retail uses into residential neighborhoods. This could mean potentially seeing small eateries, coffee shops, or even a neighborhood market in your community. The approach may take various forms and lead to differing outcomes, which is why we're reaching out to community stakeholders for feedback. Your input will help guide how these changes take shape across the city.

This initiative is rooted in public feedback gathered through the city's comprehensive plan survey, community conversations, and years of Planning Commission discussion. It also supports the vision and goals of several other citywide initiatives focused on creating a safe, healthy, and vibrant community, promoting economic vitality, and advancing environmental sustainability.

City staff will use community input to craft policy recommendations for Planning Commission review. Topics anticipated for discussion include permissible location for neighborhood retail, allowed uses (e.g., eateries, bike shops, coffee shops, neighborhood market, etc.), hours of operation, signage and advertising, parking standards, conversion of existing buildings, storage and screening, lighting, and collection points for waste, recyclables, and compostables. Is there anything else you would like to be considered?

Anticipated Benefits to Neighborhood Scale Retail

• Health & Sustainability – Encourages all forms of mobility as an alternative to driving, helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Convenience & Accessibility – Provides easier access to goods, services, and other destinations within walking distance
• Community Building – Creates third spaces for gathering and social interaction
• Economic Vitality – Supports local business growth and entrepreneurship

Next Steps

Over the coming weeks, City staff will be reviewing what neighboring cities are doing about neighborhood scale retail, including location and use permissibility, design, and whether onsite housing should be required. We're also planning a variety of opportunities for public information and feedback, including this project webpage, surveys, and attending community events. Stay tuned for project milestones, draft proposals, and announcements for when this topic will be presented to Planning Commission for review.

Online Resources/ More Information

We've compiled several links with more information on this topic -

• Corner Stores Can Anchor a Neighborhood, Congress of New Urbanism
• Neighborhood Commercial Fact Sheet, Washington State Department of Commerce
• Updating Your Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code? Consider Corner Stores, Municipal Research and Services Center