County code will be revised to make it easier to establish a secondhand retail store in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County thanks to a motion at today’s Board of Supervisors meeting by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. Title 22 of the County Code currently limits sales of all secondhand consumer products as a permitted use and classifies secondhand retail stores in the same category as used car lots and pawn shops, which significantly impact the surrounding neighborhoods.

“Many of these retail stores are run by charitable organizations, such as the Salvation Army, and are looking to provide job training and social services to the residents in the community,” said Supervisor Knabe. “Now, more than ever, our residents need access to these stores for clothes and other goods while the economy continues to sputter.”

Supervisor Knabe’s motion instructs the Department of Regional Planning to revise the County zoning code to allow secondhand retail stores in the neighborhood business zone subject to an administrative review or discretionary permit, depending if the facility is proposing drop-off collection or outdoor storage areas.

“These proposed zoning revisions will also make Los Angeles County greener,” said Knabe. “As more used goods are sold in secondhand retail stores, fewer items will be discarded in the County’s landfills.”

The Regional Planning Commission will hold a public hearing prior to September 30, 2012 and recommend revisions to the Board to consider.