Title: Commercial Zoning: Everything You Need to Know
Headings: Commercial Zoning: Everything You Need to Know
Commercial Zoning: Everything You Need to Know
Foremost among them? The particulars of local commercial zoning.
What is Commercial Zoning?
Commercial Zoning Types
Commercial Zoning Codes
Importance of Understanding Zoning (for Brokers and Buyers)
With PUDs, strict zoning adherence is sacrificed in the name of a cohesive living environment.
But, for every hidden regulatory gem there is a regulatory pitfall of which CRE professionals must be wary.
Bending the Rules in Your Favor
Mastering Nuances Helps You Master CRE

Content: Commercial Zoning Types
The most customary zoning regulations are equally applicable to every district type: Residential (single-family and multifamily homes)
Commercial (retail and office)
Agricultural (farming/farming-related activities)
Industrial (manufacturing and production)
This mix generally creates a proper balance of land use in a district—from a functional standpoint, but also from an aesthetic standpoint. Aesthetic regulations guarantee a baseline coherence of building color, materials, architecture, publicly-viewable landscaping, and anything else that contributes to the “visual feel” of a district. Functional regulations determine where and when certain types of land uses can be implemented based on the impact and need for that use-type in the district. Regulations like this determine how many similar businesses can and should be operating within a district (and it’s sub-areas). For example, is it acceptable for a developer to build a structure that’s complementary-to but outside of a property’s primary intended use? In such a case, zoning might restrict secondary structures being built on a property through accessory and ancillary use codes. All in all…
These basic zoning regulations are powerful tools with which local governments are able to sculpt the appearance, atmosphere, and general character of their cities. For CRE brokers, developers, appraisers, and other service providers, they are required knowledge for day one on the job. Understanding aesthetic regulations and accessory codes doesn’t so much constitute a competitive advantage as much as the entry-fee for playing the game.