During the Oroville City Council's regular meeting on September 2, 2025, significant discussions centered around the city's zoning code, particularly regarding the classification of personal services, including permanent makeup businesses. The meeting highlighted inconsistencies within the existing code that could impact local small businesses.

A council member raised concerns about the current definitions in the zoning code, which categorize permanent makeup services as both "personal services low impact" and "professional office." This dual classification creates confusion, as the code states that a business cannot be classified as a professional office if it falls under the low-impact personal services category. The council member suggested that clarifying these definitions would allow businesses to operate more freely without the need for additional use permits, thereby supporting local entrepreneurs.

Cheyenne Velasquez, owner of Evolution Studio in downtown Oroville, voiced her support for this change. She emphasized that her business, which operates primarily on an appointment-only basis, should not face unnecessary regulatory burdens that could hinder its growth. Velasquez's comments reflected broader concerns among small business owners about the impact of regulatory inconsistencies on their operations.

The council appeared to reach a consensus on the need for a text amendment to streamline the definitions in the zoning code. This amendment aims to eliminate the conflicting classifications and reserve the term "professional services" for traditionally recognized professions, such as doctors and architects. The council directed staff to draft the necessary changes and prepare for further review by the planning commission.

In addition to the zoning discussions, the council briefly addressed upcoming community events, including the Oroville Economic Alliance annual barbecue scheduled for September 11. The meeting concluded with a note about power outages affecting parts of the community, prompting the mayor to suggest that council members return home safely.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city council's commitment to supporting local businesses by addressing regulatory challenges and fostering a more conducive environment for economic growth. The anticipated text amendment will be a crucial step in clarifying the zoning code and alleviating burdens on small business owners in Oroville.