The Big Box Ordinance does not ban big stores. It simply codifies the understanding that some very large stores potentially have a large impact on their surroundings. Therefore it sets a threshold of 100,000 square feet and says that above that threshold we should evaluate proposals on a case by case basis. It sets standards for mitigation, and provides for a series of public hearings where people can raise their concerns about hours, truck and auto traffic, safety, noisy outdoor activities, etc. And it gives our elected representatives, the mayor and council, the authority to approve or reject the proposal.
Many cities have such laws as part of their zoning codes.
The law was passed in September and now El Con Mall wants special treatment. They don't want the ordinance to apply to them. And it seems the mayor doesn't want the ordinance to apply to them either. Right now, their development agreement, which recently became public, has a Home Depot and a mystery big box. Approving that, sight unseen, is against the letter and totally against the spirit of the Big Box Ordinance.