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Planning commission weighs rules to let neighborhood businesses remain in residential zones
Summary
At a study session staff proposed two approaches to manage nonresidential 'legal nonconforming' properties in residential zones: tie allowed uses to the MUB‑1 mixed‑use district or create a bespoke short list. Commissioners debated 500‑sq‑ft expansion limits, notification and special‑exception hearings and legal risks around alcohol sales; staff will return with a refined ordinance after a council study session.
At a study session, the Englewood Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed options to allow certain nonresidential businesses that predate current residential zoning to remain and expand in residential districts.
Staff said the inventory includes roughly 14 properties originally; after recent approvals and conversions that list is functionally 12 properties that staff recommends treating consistently rather than singling out a few. Staff presented two drafting approaches: tie the set of permitted uses to the city’s MUB‑1 mixed‑use district and then prohibit or narrow nuisance uses, or create a custom short list of specific permitted uses that would apply only to these parcels.
The choice matters because it affects flexibility for property owners and predictability for neighbors. Staff argued MUB‑1 has the advantage of automatically adapting…
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