What do the MXD-1, MXD-2, and CBD zones allow in Ferndale?
These are Ferndale's mixed-use and downtown districts, and they allow most commercial uses by right. Restaurants, retail, grocery, office, personal services, theaters, and medical clinics are permitted in all three (Section 2.05). Housing is also allowed: two- to four-unit and multiple-unit dwellings are permitted in MXD-1 and MXD-2.
Differences worth noting:
- Bars: special land use in MXD-1, permitted in MXD-2 and CBD
- Night clubs: CBD only
- Drive-throughs and gas stations: special land uses in MXD-2 only
Form standards differ too. MXD-2 commercial buildings need a street-fronting door open during business hours (Section 2.10). The CBD requires a second occupiable floor on new buildings, with small expansions exempt (Section 2.11). One caution: the code states conflicting MXD-1 height limits, 35 to 45 ft in Section 2.06 versus 30 to 35 ft in Section 2.09. Confirm with CED at 248-336-4370.
Sources
Full text: Ferndale ordinance on city-hosted PDF (Municipal Code Online mirror). Applies to districts: MXD-1, MXD-2, CBD.
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