What is Mixed Use Zoning and How It Could Effect You
People don’t often think about the fact that buildings and areas are “zoned” for different types of uses. It makes sense when you think about it. Residential areas where people have homes don’t want to worry about a loud business or some undesirable building moving across the street from them. That said, there are times when mixing residential and other types of buildings might be a good thing that people want. That is, mixed use zoning. But what is mixed use zoning exactly?
All these types of things about zoning and use types is important for people in the real world. As one of the premier Atlanta property management companies out there, we need to think through these things when people are making important real estate questions. If you don’t, who knows… you could end up with a stinky trash factory or something like that moving next door to you. Or, you can have a lot of great businesses that are walking distance from your front door. In this article, we will go over the following:
- What is Mixed Use Zoning – We will go over what the term means.
- Types of Mixed Use Zoning – Then we will tackle the different common types and forms that mixed use zoning can take.
- FAQ – We will cover some commonly asked questions regarding mixed use zoning.
- How Property Management Can Help – And finally, we will go over how a property management company might be a helpful resource for many who own or invest in mixed use buildings and properties.
What is Mixed Use Zoning
Mixed-use zoning is a way for communities to bring different parts of daily life closer together. Instead of separating homes, shops, offices, and other activities into completely different areas, mixed-use zoning lets them be within the same neighborhood… sometimes even the same building. It’s also a planning strategy built around convenience and walkability. So when asking yourself what is mixed use zoning, it’s good to note that it is something that individual towns and areas determine themselves.
Mixed-use zoning is a land-use approach that allows different types of activities (like living, working, and shopping) to exist within the same general space rather than being separated into different districts. Ultimately buildings and housing are “zoned” to be used in different ways, and mixed-use zoning areas are intended to encourage a mixing of these use types.
At the end of the day, mixed-use zoning gives property owners and developers more flexibility. It encourages them to invest in apartment complexes and buildings, commercial spaces, and mixed-use areas. It opens the door for projects that blend residential and commercial activity in ways that are supposed to fit the needs of a community. Ideally, it’s something that people want and it gives it to them. Cities use it to encourage growth in areas where people already congregate and support local businesses. So, it’s supposed to be a good thing with done right.
How mixed-use zoning works depends a lot on where you are, right? Because guess what? The laws can vary a little from one place to another. States and municipalities set their own rules, and some offer much more flexibility than others. Massachusetts is a good example of a state where zoning varies widely from town to town. Some communities readily support mixed-use districts to boost housing and economic development, while others take a more cautious or traditional approach.
Types of Mixed Use Zoning
Mixed-use zoning comes in a few different flavors, each tailored to how a community wants people, homes, and businesses to fit together. Some focus on walkable, main-street style areas, while others mix uses on a larger scale or within a single building. Here are some of the common types you’ll see.
- Vertical mixed-use
- Horizontal mixed-use
- Walkable or “main street” mixed-use
- Transit-oriented mixed-use
- Neighborhood-scale mixed-use
- Large district or corridor mixed-use
FAQ
How does mixed-use zoning work?
Mixed-use zoning works by giving a property or district permission to blend different activities in the same general area. Instead of separating homes, offices, and shops into their own separate zones, it lets them overlap in ways that support walkability and day-to-day convenience. A project still has to follow local rules (things like height limits, parking requirements, and design standards). But if you’re wondering what is mixed use zoning, ultimately it’s a local community’s attempt to mix different types of buildings for their own purposes.
What is allowed in mixed-use zones?
Well, what’s allowed in mixed-use zones really depends on the rules set by the city or town. It usually includes some combination of residential units, retail, restaurants, offices, and sometimes civic spaces like libraries or community centers. The idea is to support activities that complement each other, so a neighborhood can function throughout the day without long stretches of empty sidewalks. As long as the uses don’t conflict with basic safety or noise standards, there’s often a fair amount of room to mix and match.
What is limited mixed-use zoning?
Limited mixed-use zoning is a scaled-down version of the concept. It allows a mix of uses, but with tighter boundaries on how far that mix can go. For example, a property might be allowed to host a small business on the ground floor with housing above, but not larger commercial uses or anything that extends above the ground floor.
How Property Management Can Help
Zoning and commercial real estate can be a complicated thing… but for some investors it becomes a good opportunity to increase their profits. Learning what is mixed use zoning can be just the tip of the iceberg. After all, you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to expand your rental business. That said, when you own any real estate or rental properties, you must consider how to manage them. Hiring professional property management can help make sure your rental business succeeds. Bay Property Management Group offers comprehensive management services for property owners, whether you own one rental or a lot of them.
Our dedicated property managers can help with tenant screening, rental maintenance, rent collection, and so much more. Give us a call! So, contact BMG today to learn more about our property management services in Smyrna and Atlanta areas, as well as in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Virginia, Texas, and elsewhere.
