So Much For Trying To Ban Big Box Retailers

Alameda County, California, might have spoken too soon in passing a big box ban.

1 minute read

March 29, 2004, 1:00 PM PST

By Ratna Amin


Alameda County, California attempted to ban retailers with over 100,000 square feet of footage (and who devote ten percent or more of their retail space to groceries) in all unincorporated areas -- a common goal in many cities and counties these days. The ban may be repealed as soon as this week and Wal-mart, who sued the County, is pleased.

Thanks to Ratna Amin

Sunday, March 28, 2004 in The Oakland Tribune

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30, 2026 - Yale Environment 360

: Construction of massive Samsung semiconductor fabrication plant

In Texas, data centers are swallowing promised parkland

Residents who moved to Taylor, Texas for a rural community now have to contend with three data centers in their backyard.

2 hours ago - Inside Climate News

A construction crew working on SunZia.

How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on

The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.

3 hours ago - Grist

A rendering of the basketball court, a green court under a blue sky.

MTA gives itself 30 days to transform pit into basketball court

The site has been under construction since 2022; the city originally estimated it would finish the court in 2024.

4 hours ago - Gothamist