Trying to start a new business but don’t know where to put your store or office? Learn all about zoning laws in this episode.
Slow dialogue: 1:03
Explanations: 3:21
Fast dialogue: 17:47
Sybil: Oh, this is it! This is the perfect location for our new store!
Leo: Sorry, but this space isn’t zoned for retail. It’s zoned for offices.
Sybil: But couldn’t we get the zoning commission to re-zone it?
Leo: That’s not an easy process. The city’s urban planners decided that this space would be best suited for offices. Changing their minds won't be easy.
Sybil: I’ve heard that a lot of new developments are being zoned for mixed-use. That’s all we need to do. We just need this building to be re-zoned for mixed-use. Then, we can use the space downstairs for commercial purposes and use the upstairs space for offices or even housing.
Leo: This area was zoned for industrial purposes over 30 years ago. It took 10 years for it to be re-zoned for offices. It may take another 10 years to get it re-zoned for commercial purposes. Do you think you can wait 10 years to open your store?
Sybil: No, I guess not. What if I rented this space for an office and then ran my store out of it?
Leo: You’ll never get a business license for your store if you do that. Each type of zoning has different ordinances and the inspector won’t be fooled.
Sybil: All right. I’ll look for another space, but nothing will live up to this one.
Leo: That’s the spirit!

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse