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Brian Foster, a commercial real estate broker, told the officials they were “on the right path.” He urged them to be open-minded about filling vacancies. “You want to have a staff that has some agency … where they can look at a use and go, all right, you’re going from a real estate office to a lighting store. It’s pretty benign,” he said. “And if you can check some boxes we can make it work.” The commissioners instructed city staff to revise their proposed changes based on their suggestions and present them to the City Council for feedback. Once the council weighs in, the process of formally revising the city code would return to the Planning Commission and council for final approval. City officials hope to amend the city’s commercial codes and parking ordinances by this fall.

The council directed Cusimano and city planners to move forward. “Mill Valley has had a history … of going above and beyond when it comes to climate action,” said Vice Mayor Max Perrey. “I was just so impressed with our climate action plan and our community members that contributed to such a significant and thoughtful report,” said Councilmember Caroline Joachim. “We have the opportunity to really take advantage of this time and make the most of it before that six-year moratorium hits.” AB 306 has some exemptions that city staff believe Mill Valley could qualify for, Cusimano said. “But we want to leave no stone unturned and we don’t want to be sitting here a year from now regretting or assuming something that’s not the case,” he said.