Are live/work units allowed in Birmingham?
Yes, in the right districts. Live/work units are permitted in the general business districts B2, B2B, and B2C, and in the MX Mixed Use district along the Eton Road corridor (§ 1.10).
MX is the most flexible setting. It permits residential combined with nonresidential uses, artisan uses, and automobile conversion uses. MX is also the only district in the city where residential units in accessory structures are permitted (§ 4.07 AS-06); everywhere else, residential occupancy of accessory buildings is prohibited (§ 4.02 AS-01).
Expect Planning Board site plan review for projects in the B and MX districts (§ 7.25). Residential parking in these districts runs lighter than in single-family areas, at 1 to 1.25 spaces per unit in B2 and MX (§ 4.46 PK-02). Confirm the district boundary with the Planning Division before designing the unit.
Sources
Full text: Birmingham ordinance on enCodePlus. Applies to districts: B2, B2B, B2C, MX.
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