Divisions & Programs

Zoning to Preserve Small Business Activity in Mid-Cambridge

Summary
Small Business Support
Resources
For More Information

Summary

In 2007, the Community Development Department held two public meetings on the topic of zoning that might help to protect and encourage small-scale, neighborhood-oriented businesses in Mid-Cambridge. This process was prompted by a recommendation in the 2004 Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Study Update. There are a number of small retail and consumer service businesses in the neighborhood that serve local residents but are located in residential zoning districts. While existing businesses may continue to operate legally in areas that are zoned residential, those areas may transition from commercial use to residential use over time.

At our most recent public meeting, Community Development Department staff presented some possible zoning options that would allow specific kinds of small businesses in designated parts of the residential neighborhood where businesses already exist. In the options presented, some businesses could be allowed as-of-right (without any required public review) while others could be allowed by special permit (a process that requires a public hearing). This zoning approach would make it easier for new businesses to be established if existing businesses close, and in some cases it might be easier for existing businesses to expand or upgrade their properties.

The discussion at the meetings reflected the complexity of the issue. Participants agreed that certain businesses are valuable to the neighborhood and they would prefer not to see those types of businesses disappear over time. However, some residents felt that allowing such businesses to exist as-of-right might take away some of the control neighbors and abutters have in managing the potential impacts of commercial uses on residents. Under current zoning, a new business would typically have to seek a variance, which allows neighbors to have a voice in the permitting process. On the other hand, some participants noted that the variance process can be time-consuming and unpredictable for property and business owners, which might discourage owners from establishing new businesses that might benefit the neighborhood.

Because there did not seem to be a clear consensus that a zoning change would be appropriate, we do not intend to propose a zoning change at this time. We would be happy to have additional discussions, by request, on these or any other zoning matters. We will continue to make notes and materials available on the web. Contact Jeff Roberts at 617/349-4639 or jroberts@cambridgema.gov for more information.

Small Business Support

The Community Development Department continues to actively support local business in Cambridge through programs coordinated by the Economic Development Division, including:

Economic Development programs are available to businesses throughout the city. Economic Development staff will consult with residents and neighborhood groups to determine what businesses might be desired in the area. Call 617/349-4637 with questions.

Community Development Department staff will also answer specific questions related to zoning and permitting processes for business uses.

Resources

These files are in PDF format and require use of the free Adobe Acrobat viewer.

For More Information

For more information, please contact Jeff Roberts, jroberts@cambridgema.gov, Neighborhood Planner at 617/349-4639. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621.

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