Quote:
Originally Posted by ithakas
Wondering if any of our developer or zoning expert forum members have any thoughts here – how come live/work zoning isn't more prevalent in Chicago? Can it be used for new construction or is it typically only grandfathered in from older buildings?
I stayed in a live/work building in downtown LA this past week (though it was a loft conversion), so curious about this...
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Live work can be achieved two ways. As a special use and via B2 zoning.
On existing buildings they both have a problem in that they don't provide for the additional dwelling unit created by adapting the storefront to a residence. So they are only appropriate on a building that has been constructed below allowable density. It also requires things like a full bath and a kitchen which may be difficult to shoehorn in to an existing building.
We get a lot of developers asking for B2, but what they really want it the free FAR that comes with a B. They only pay lip service to "live/work" and show you a design for residential building with the ground floor 5 feet in the air.