Medium Density
Live-Work
Form: A living unit above a fire-separated ground floor work space. Live-work units may be individual buildings or multiple units in a single building.6
Local presence: While apartments over commercial space (mixed-use) are common in the county, there are only a few examples of live-work units. As employees increasingly work from home, live-work units may become increasingly popular.
Zoning considerations: Live work units can be especially suited to areas with access to amenities such as public transportation. Municipalities can clearly define live-work units and allow them in middle to high density as well as town and village center zoning areas. Adding infrastructure such as transportation and broadband internet access can further encourage live-work units. Because live-work units may generate more traffic and noise due to their commercial uses live-work units should primarily be permitted in commercial areas.
See eTool: Mixed-use Development
Zoning ordinance examples
- West Whiteland Township: "Additional Use Opportunities" are permitted in the township's historic resource areas. These uses allow more flexibility with older buildings and complement historic preservation standards found in the township's zoning ordinance. To support this ordinance, West Whiteland Township's Historical Commission maintains a Historic Resources Map and reviews proposed development applications for compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's "Standards" for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings.
