The Austin City Council is scheduled to change city code regarding 'big box' retail stores Thursday evening.

The new ordinance would require any store more than 100,000 square feet to apply for a conditional use zoning permit.

The permit would require the developer to notify neighborhood associations within one mile and would require them to post a 4x6-foot sign on the property.

The new ordinance will also give the city council the final say in whether or not the 'big box' store gets built.

Had this ordinance already been in the books, the Northcross Wal-Mart store wouldn't have been approved without public hearings and city council approval.

Residents continue to fight that development.

The ordinance will not affect the situation at Northcross Mall.