WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – For people who want to live where they work, zoning requirements in Williams just got easier.
The Williams City Council in January adopted a new zoning ordinance that will allow business operators to combine residential and commercial uses in a single property or unit.
The new zone is designed to accommodate those who want to live and work within the same physical space but do not have a second floor to their structure.
“The state of California has been in a housing crisis for years,” said Assistant Planner Katheryn Ramsaur, who first brought the new ordinance to the council in December. “Even in small communities, such as Williams, this can be seen in the quick turnover of rentals and home sales.”
Williams previously allowed business operators to live and work in the commercial downtown, but only in multi-floor structures, with residences restricted to the upper floor, Ramsaur said.
Live-work zoning is a growing trend in California, as living expenses continue to increase and affordable housing spirals into short supply.
By allowing individuals to live in the rear in buildings already used for business, operators can cut expenses – as well as free up housing for other members of the community, officials said.
Ramsaur said in urban areas where the live-work zoning has been adopted, business owners are also better able to protect their investments by always being onsite.
“A 2010 study of live-work zones in Los Angeles showed a 7% reduction in crime rate, while smaller areas of California have shown this reduction to be up to 40%,” she said.
The city will have specific regulations and requirements for live-work zoning to ensure they are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and minimize any negative impacts, such as noise, traffic, or visual appearance.
For example, a residence within a building shall not exceed 50% of the total floor area of the structure.
Ramsaur said for the 50/50 live work zoning to apply, the residence must be in the back of the building with access and parking to the living quarters in the alley.
The new ordinance will go into effect in mid-February.