50-Metre Rule for High-Density Shops
The Ajuntament de Figueres (city council) is preparing to introduce a new commercial zoning plan that will limit the proximity of certain types of shops in the city centre. Under the proposed rules, businesses deemed to degrade the city’s commercial image, including 24-hour convenience stores, mobile phone accessory retailers, cannabis (CBD) product outlets, takeaway food vendors, nail bars and second-hand clothing shops, must be at least 50 metres apart. This measure forms part of a broader Special Commercial Use Plan currently being finalised by the governing team. The plan targets areas including the historic city centre and key streets such as Carrer Sant Pau, Vilafant, Nou and Jonquera.
November Vote and Temporary Moratorium
The council intends to present the plan for initial approval at a full council meeting in November 2026. Once initial approval is granted, a temporary moratorium on new licences for affected businesses will be imposed while awaiting final confirmation. The move is legally possible because five years have passed since the approval of the city’s General Urban Master Plan (POUM), a prerequisite under local regulations for implementing such a moratorium. A citizens’ survey is currently underway to inform the final draft.
Restoring Commercial Balance
Mayor Masquef stated the initiative aims to bring "order" to the commercial sector and restore a balanced retail mix, comparing it to past regulations that controlled the clustering of banks along La Rambla in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The council acknowledges external pressures on local commerce, including the departure of major retailers like Zara from Carrer Jonquera and the rise of online shopping. In response, officials are urging residents to support local businesses and landlords to adjust rental prices to reflect current market conditions. Despite retail challenges, the mayor highlighted growth in the city’s hospitality sector and efforts to boost footfall through cultural programming, including theatre events, to attract visitors for both shopping and dining.
Reported by gerio.cat, figueres.cat, Gerió Digital.
