Accessory Commercial Units (TC-12-21)
Accessory Commercial Units (TC-12-21)
Accessory Commercial Units (TC-12-21): This text change proposes amending the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to allow commercial uses in residences in residential zoning districts. Read the full draft ordinance online.
Background information:
This text change was initiated and authorized by the City Council at their June 6, 2021, meeting.
Current Rules:
Currently, there are two types of accessory commercial uses allowed in neighborhoods with residential zoning. Home Occupation allows small businesses that are completely contained within a home and should not be noticeable from the outside. Live-Work allows some exterior features such as a sign and parking. A special use permit is required to establish a Live-Work business.
Proposed Text Change:
Under the proposed changes, the Home Occupation use would be removed completely. Live-Work would no longer require a special use permit. A Live-Work business could be operated in an accessory building such as a detached garage. A new use would be created called Accessory Commercial Unit (ACU). An ACU has to be attached to or within an existing residential building. It could be a range of uses including restaurant, retail store, and office. Signs and outdoor display areas would be allowed. Outdoor seating and outdoor storage of materials are prohibited. The total size of the ACU is limited to 1,000 square feet or 40% of the total building area, whichever is smaller.
Public Meeting Schedule:
This text change is scheduled for a Planning Commission meeting in late November or early December. The Commission may act on that date or refer to their Text Change Committee for further discussion. We will be collecting comments here through November 22. Comments after this date should be submitted directly to John Anagnost via email.
Visit the "What are Accessory Commercial Units or ACUs?" webpage for more information.