Chapter 18.52 — LIVE-WORK UNITS

The purpose of this chapter is to provide flexibility of use by fostering the development of units that include both work and living space, with the work space as the primary use and the living space as the secondary use.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

This chapter is applicable to the RM, RH, RMU, CMU, and CSF districts, where live-work units are permitted. Live-work units are suitable for a variety of established and new commercial and residential areas, and may be located within existing or new buildings.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.52.030 - Design of live-work units.

A.

Live-work units must be primarily designed such that the residential function of the building is secondary to the commercial-business establishment.

B.

The exterior design of live-work units must be compatible with the exterior design of the commercial or residential buildings in the immediate locale.

C.

Living space must include, at a minimum, cooking space, a bathroom, and dedicated sleeping space.

D.

Live-work units located at the ground floor level in the CMU zone must include the work space at the ground floor level.

E.

Live-work units that are intended to accommodate employees should be designed with separated work and living space (so-called "live near" arrangements).

F.

Where the live-work units is a "hazardous occupancy" in which hazardous materials and/or procedures are part of the production process (e.g., welding or wood shop equipment) open, studio style live-work units are not permitted, and work and living spaces must be separated by walls.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

At least one resident in each live-work unit shall maintain a valid city business license.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.52.050 - Employees, client, and customer visits.

A.

Persons who do not reside in the live-work unit may work there, provided that required parking is established. (See Chapter 18.42, "Parking and Loading Areas")

B.

The maximum number of employees who may work at the live-work unit but who do not reside there is two.

C.

Client and customer visits to live-work units are permitted if the following are met:

1.

Parking requirements for a commercial establishment of the type associated with the use of the unit. Onstreet parking may be considered by the development services director if the applicant can demonstrate that this is available.

2.

ADA accessibility requirements.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.52.060 - Restrictions on sale or rental of portions of units.

A.

A live-work unit is not divisible, and no portion of a live-work unit may be rented or sold as separate commercial space or living space.

B.

No live-work unit, or a portion of a live-work unit, may be rented or sold to persons who do not live or work on the premises.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)

18.52.070 - Change of use.

A.

Residential units may be changed to live-work units in the RH and RMU zones, subject to administrative review, provided that the requirements in Sections 18.30.100(D) and 18.30.100(E) are met.

B.

Live-work units in the CMU and CSF zones may be changed to exclusively commercial uses, subject to administrative review, provided that all requirements for a commercial use in that zone are met.

C.

Live-work units in the RMU zone may be changed to exclusively residential uses, subject to administrative review, provided that all requirements for a residential use in that zone are met.

(Ord. No. 743, § 3, 3-21-2017)