The San Carlos City Council once again had a lengthy conversation around how to best activate downtown at its meeting Aug. 25 — weighing the possibility of relaxing regulations on retail chains, pondering design standards for outdoor dining and potential for parking limitations.

Councilmembers are moving forward with a conversation around relaxing standards on formula businesses. Currently, the city intentionally keeps brands and chains limited, but has the option to streamline that permitting process so more regional retail chains could have an easier time situating themselves in the downtown core.

Strengthening retail business in the downtown core could be a positive for the city, Councilmember John Dugan said.

“What I fear most downtown is losing all retail. Our goal is a vibrant d

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