Live Work Units, LDC2020-10008

Live/work units are designed to combine residential living with small-scale commercial activity within a single unit, typically on the ground floor of multifamily developments. These units are permitted in zoning districts that allow both residential and nonresidential uses, provided the business is a permitted or conditionally approved use. According to Land Development Code Section 58.1103, a live/work unit must include a full dwelling (with kitchen and bathroom) and be occupied by a single housekeeping unit. The Florida Building Code (Section 419) limits total unit size to 3,000 sq. ft., with no more than 50% to be used for commercial activity and restricts commercial use to the first floor in multi-story designs. Commercial and residential portions are counted separately for density and intensity calculations, and both must be contained within the same unit.

Additional requirements include the need for one extra parking space beyond the standard multifamily ratio, and specific use limitations such as office, personal services, and light retail. Alcohol and tobacco sales are prohibited. Units must be on the ground floor with direct pedestrian access to the exterior. Only the resident may operate the business, though up to two outside employees are allowed.

Examples include:

  • Camden Lake Eola, 520 East Church Street (ZON2015-00020)
  • Alexan Mills 50, 1647 East Colonial Drive (ZON2020-10018)
  • Milk Stacks, 221 South Bumby Avenue (ZON2021-10023)

LDC2020-10008, Live Work Units(PDF, 399KB)

 

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