This section contains a description of the use categorization system used to classify principal uses in this Zoning Code.
(a) Use Categories.
This Zoning Code classifies principal land uses into 10 major groupings (described in § 14-601(2) through § 14-601(11)), which are referred to as use categories:
(.1) Residential. See § 14-601(2).
(.2) Parks and Open Space. See § 14-601(3).
(.3) Public, Civic, and Institutional. See § 14-601(4).
(.4) Office. See § 14-601(5).
(.5) Retail Sales. See § 14-601(6).
(.6) Commercial Services. See § 14-601(7).
(.7) Vehicle and Vehicular Equipment Sales and Services. See § 14-601(8).
(.8) Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage. See § 14-601(9).
(.9) Industrial. See § 14-601(10).
(.10) Urban Agricultural. See § 14-601(11).
(b) Use Subcategories.
Each use category is further divided into more specific "subcategories". Use subcategories classify principal land uses and activities based on common functional, product, or physical characteristics, such as the type and amount of activity, the type of customers or residents, how goods or services are sold or delivered and site conditions.
(c) Specific Use Types.
Some use subcategories are further broken down to identify specific use types that are regulated differently than the subcategory.
{For printable PDF version of image, click HERE}
(d) Use Tables.
A series of use tables identify allowed land uses in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Special Purpose districts. See § 14-602(3) (Residential Districts); § 14-602(4) (Commercial Districts); § 14-602(5) (Industrial Districts); and § 14-602(6) (Special Purpose Districts) respectively. The structure of the use tables (see Sample Use Table below) reflects the hierarchical nature of the use categorization described in this section. See § 14-602(2) (Understanding the Use Tables) for a further explanation of the use table structure.
Sample Use Table
{For printable PDF version, click HERE}
District
|
District
|
District
|
District
|
District
|
District
|
Use-Specific Standards
| |
Y = Yes, use is permitted as of right | S = Special exception approval required | N = Not allowed (use expressly prohibited) Uses not listed are also prohibited | Bracketed numbers refer to notes immediately preceding the table | |||||||
Use Category
| |||||||
Use Subcategory | |||||||
Specific Use Type | Y[1] | Y[1] | Y | Y | Y | Y | Use-specific standards column contains cross-reference to any applicable regulation that applies to use in all districts |
Specific Use Type | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | |
Specific Use Type | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | |
(e) Determination of Use Categories and Subcategories.
(.1) L&I is authorized to classify uses on the basis of the use category, subcategory, and specific use type descriptions of this § 14-601 (Use Categories).
(.2) When a use cannot be readily classified into a use category, subcategory, or specific use type, or appears to fit into multiple categories, subcategories, or specific use types, L&I is authorized to determine the most similar, and thus most appropriate, use category, subcategory, or specific use type based on the actual or projected characteristics of the principal use or activity in relationship to the use category, subcategory, and specific use type descriptions provided in this section. In making such determinations, L&I may consider:
(.a) the types of activities that will occur in conjunction with the use;
(.b) the types of equipment and processes to be used;
(.c) the existence, number, and frequency of residents, customers, or employees;
(.d) parking demands associated with the use; and
(.e) other factors deemed relevant to a use determination.
(.3) If a use can reasonably be classified in multiple categories, subcategories, or specific use types, L&I shall categorize the use in the category, subcategory, or specific use type that provides the most exact, narrowest, and appropriate "fit".
(.4) If L&I is unable to determine the appropriate use category for a proposed use, L&I shall deny the zoning permit request. This decision may be appealed to the Zoning Board in accordance with § 14-303(15) (Appeals).