Amid concerns about a loss of diversity, including a trend toward "a monoculture of alcohol," among Main Street businesses, the City Council held a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 29 to discuss ways the city could amend business permits for conditional use.

Cliff Cross, director of development services, said the city's job in business permitting is to look at the specific request at the specific site and also "to take into consideration the highest and best use of surrounding properties, so the one doesn't damage the many." He said a conditional use permit, or CUP, allows a second look by the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and discretionary approval of sites with unique business features.

Cross said the city will need to decide what criteria it wants for its unique businesses, such as distance between them or grouping them together in a character area.