While it certainly is tempting to rent a business loft for rent and move in, thus saving rent on separate living quarters, it may not be legal or advisable to do so, and we will tell you why in this article by RDS Real Estate, serving the Greater Fort Worth Metro area with outstanding industrial space and commercial property for rent. Call us at 817-439-3224 for more information.
Laws governing living in a business loft for rent.
Almost all communities have zoning laws which designate certain areas in the city or county for specific uses i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, etc. This is done as a matter of convenience. People with children do not want to live next door to a construction company. The noise alone would ruin the ambiance of a family barbecue, not to mention the safety factor of little children riding bicycles past heavy equipment.
Having said all that, there are always gray areas. There is such a thing as mixed-use zoning, meaning certain areas are designated for several types of activities. Certainly, you have seen, while out for a drive, a bakery on the ground floor and an apartment in the loft above. This is quite common where residential homes have been converted into small businesses with living quarters attached. This is mixed use zoning at its most common.
It is also possible to apply for a mixed-use permit/exception, but simply because you apply for something does not mean you are certain to be granted the exception.
Bottom line: do your homework and make sure before you sign a lease for a loft for rent.
What if you own the property?
Owning the commercial property does not change matters with regards to the use of a property. You still need to be in compliance with the zoning laws of that area.
And then we have the matter of doing something without asking for permission, something we probably should not mention but something which happens on a regular basis. You know the old saying “it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission.” While this is a clever little saying, and it may apply to doing something your mother doesn’t want you to do, it is not advisable when dealing with a planning commission. Bureaucrats do not have a sense of humor, nor do they feel the need to make exceptions for people who are being sneaky and/or underhanded.
We do not advise this approach, even though it is entirely possible you won’t get caught. All it will take is one phone call from a disgruntled neighbor and you will be facing hefty fines.
Is it advisable to do so?
Setting aside the discussion about zoning, there is another consideration we should mention. Living where you work can be exhausting. It is always advisable to step away from our job, or your business, at the end of the workday. Give yourself time to recharge and reboot, both of which are difficult to do if you are living amongst your business problems and issues. Yes, it could save you money, but it may cause problems which money cannot solve.
A final word about RDS Real Estate.
RDS Real Estate is locally owned and operated. With over three million square feet of rental properties available, we have what you need i.e. warehouse for rent, retail space for lease, loft for rent, studio for rent, garage for rent, you name it and we have it. Call us today.