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January 2025 Millcreek Together Code Update I 18.44 Commercial Zone Summary Sheet Chapter 18.44 Commercial Zone Summary A. Purpose. The purpose of the Commercial Zone is to provide areas for larger-scale community commercial development. Such zones cater to regional markets and generate traffic from a much larger regional area. Development may include limited residential uses as incorporated into a commercial mixed-use development. B. What Changed. o Combines the C-2 and C-3 into a unified commercial district. o Streamlined uses where appropriate. Permits more uses outright with improved standards. o Updated formatting with tables and images. o Permits small gyms but requires a conditional use for larger ones. o Requires conditional uses for all drive through uses. o New uses such as ghost kitchens and flex space are added. o Build-to-area for sites within 300’ of major intersections requires 75% of front façade pulled closer to the street. o Updated architectural articulation standards including pitched roofs. o Updated specific use design standards for commercial uses to limit or prohibit stucco. o Incentives added for brick or stone construction. o New minimum frontage requirements for mixed uses (100’). o Mixed uses follow RM standards but permit reduced open space to 250 sq feet per dwelling unit. o New requirements for dumpster placement and screening. o Clarified 2-story height requirement applies only within village centers. C. What Remained the Same. o Maintains existing materials requirements for general commercial uses but requires 4 sided Design. o Spatial requirements and design standards for mixed use and live/work units. D. Rationale for Changes. By merging commercial zones with different use intensities, a city can create more mixed-use areas allowing developers to adapt to changing market demands, offering a broader range of services, housing, and employment opportunities in one area. Combining commercial zones can lead to a more efficient use of available land. It can reduce the need for underutilized or fragmented spaces by encouraging higher density developments and promoting infill projects. E. Attachments. Link to Staff Report