Double zoned property?

Question

One property I found is 'double zoned', according to my agent. I searched this term in BP and Google but was not able to find any clear answer. Does it mean that I can use the property on the land as either commercial or residential? Is this the same with 'mixed-use'?

Also, what is the best way to find the tru zone info of a property?

Thanks!

Also, what is the best way to find the tru zone info of a property?

Thanks!

Matt Devincenzo · Answer

Sometimes zoning districts don't follow property lines, so you could end up with a 'split zoned' parcel. If that is what they're talking about then no you can't just pick what you want to do, usually you can do both but only to the ratio of the parcel...so for example 50-50 split zoned would allow 50% as use one and 50% as use two. Maybe locally has restrictions on where/how on each parcel you could implement.

Another possibility is less common, but if your local govt includes some sort of larger general or community plan, sometimes there are different zoning options that can be identified. For example 'Office mixed use' and 'Residential mixed use' could be indicated zoning options, but the plan will require an owner to process XXX entitlement to choose one and then implement it. The general/community plan can dictate how easy or difficult choosing between the options is.

None of these are normally referred to as double zoned, but those are the thoughts on what they could be meaning.

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

Contact the cities planning/zoning department.  It is not uncommon for certain areas to have a combination of zoning districts, but the city provides a list of permitted uses as well as special uses.  I have not heard the term “double zoned” but it may be a local term.