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For example, by converting to a categori-
<br />cal use approach, the generic use category
<br />"retail goods establishment" replaces specific
<br />uses such as convenience store, bookstore, re-
<br />cord store, clothing store, etc. As new types of
<br />retail emerge, the "retail goods establishment"
<br />can accommodate them without requiring a
<br />text change to the ordinance. For example, an
<br />incubator retail use that rents space to vendors
<br />and artisans to sell their wares, with a rotating
<br />schedule of vendors, would not need to apply
<br />for separate permissions as users switch in and
<br />out, because they are all "retail."
<br />The second issue is the use of a cumula-
<br />tive or pyramid permissions structure, which
<br />accumulates permitted and special uses by
<br />district. Under this approach, each zoning
<br />district permits all of the uses allowed in the
<br />next lowest intensity district, plus additional
<br />uses not permitted in that less -intense district.
<br />To illustrate, a pyramidal zoning ordinance
<br />would say that all uses permitted in the B-3
<br />District are also permitted in the B-4 District,
<br />with the addition of several other uses listed
<br />specifically. This approach creates a confusing
<br />structure where the ordinance user must rely
<br />on the listing of uses in other districts in order
<br />to determine what is permitted as -of -right or by
<br />special approval in each district. Permitted and
<br />special uses should be tailored specifically to
<br />each district.
<br />New Types of Uses
<br />While the categorical use approach goes a
<br />long way to improving an ordinance's ability
<br />to accommodate emerging uses, there is still
<br />a need to monitor permissions and make sure
<br />that innovative new uses don't slip through
<br />the cracks. Sometimes these uses need to be
<br />singled out because we are just coming to un-
<br />derstand their impacts, and conditions may be
<br />needed. Other times, designating these uses
<br />within the ordinance specifically indicates that
<br />the community welcomes them and is actively
<br />working toward a creating a vibrant and diverse
<br />While the categorical
<br />use approach goes a
<br />long way to improving
<br />an ordinance's ability
<br />to accommodate
<br />emerging uses, there is
<br />still a need to monitor
<br />permissions. and make
<br />sure that innovative
<br />new uses don't slip
<br />through the cracks.
<br />small business environment. This attracts new
<br />residents and businesses that prefer to live
<br />and work where there is a diverse economy,
<br />innovation, and a unique identity.
<br />Some recent examples of these types of
<br />small business uses include the following:
<br />A craft distillery located in a small-scale
<br />industrial district.
<br />Specialty food production. This categori-
<br />cal use includes businesses that specialize in
<br />the preparation or processing of select food
<br />products, such as a bakery, candy maker,
<br />butcher, catering business, cheese shop, cof-
<br />fee roaster, or fishmonger. What is distinct
<br />about this use is that it often offers ancillary
<br />retail sales or food service for the products
<br />made on -site. Standards should allow for the
<br />preparation, processing, canning, or packaging
<br />of food products on -site, so long as all process-
<br />ing is completely enclosed and there are no
<br />external impacts.
<br />Industrial design. This categorical use
<br />includes businesses engaged in the design,
<br />marketing, or brand development of various
<br />products that integrate the fields of art, busi-
<br />ness, robotics, science, and engineering. It
<br />is important that industrial design establish-
<br />ments be allowed to create prototypes and
<br />products, but not mass manufacture products
<br />on the premises. This use cannot be classified
<br />as an office use because the standard office
<br />definition does not allow for prototype cre-
<br />ation. Further, the scale of an industrial design
<br />establishment does not match the large-scale
<br />nature of a research and development facil-
<br />ity, which is typically permitted only in heavy
<br />commercial or industrial districts. Therefore, a
<br />unique definition is needed.
<br />Artisan industrial. This categorical use
<br />includes creative businesses involving more in-
<br />tensive crafts, such as small-scale metalwork-
<br />ing, glassblowing, furniture making, pottery,
<br />leathercraft, screen printing, and related activi-
<br />ties. As such, it is on the more intense side of
<br />small business, but it is important to distin-
<br />guish these establishments from large-scale
<br />manufacturing since they don't have the same
<br />function or degree of impact. Depending on the
<br />type of craft, there may be issues with noise,
<br />odor, fumes, or dust. Consequently, this use is
<br />best suited for higher intensity commercial or
<br />industrial areas. Artisan industrial uses are of-
<br />ten a good fit for older industrial buildings that
<br />do not meet current manufacturing needs but
<br />provide character to neighborhoods, and these
<br />establishments are ideal for areas with a mix of
<br />heavy commercial and light industrial uses.
<br />Local alcohol production facilities. This
<br />categorical use includes businesses that brew
<br />or distill beverages for sale and consumption
<br />on the premises, with or without accessory
<br />retail sales of beverages produced on -site for
<br />off -site consumption. With the popularity of
<br />craft brews and spirits, the small business
<br />ZONINGPRACTICE 7.16
<br />AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION I page3
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