[TheThinkTank] Bicycle Co-Ops & Zoning?

[Macho Philipovich]

hey jake.  the derailer bicycle collective in denver had zoning problems 
they weren't able to resolve, and had to move.  their website is at 
http://www.derailerbicyclecollective.org/ if you want to get in touch 
with them.  i think they have an archive of news pieces and 
correspondence between them and the city when they were going through it 
you could probably look at (not on the website).

then again, i think the only reason it became a problem is because one 
of the neighbours complained, so that may not be an issue for you.

in canada, where our shop is, i know all you have to do is pay a small 
fee and apply to the city for a "zoning variance" on the house, where 
they basically put up posters to see if anyone in the neighbourhood has 
a problem with it.  if no one does, that particular building can is 
exempt from certain zoning regulations.  i'm not sure if it works the 
same way south of the border.

good luck,
macho

Jake Liefer wrote:
> Hello,
>  I operate a small bike Co-op in a small, run down town called Beaver
> Falls, PA. We're looking into purchasing a location and think we've
> found the perfect spot. It's a former business / house with a three
> car garage and a large glass storefront area. The only problem is that
> it's zoned residential even though it used to be a business many years
> ago.  The street is pretty run down, with three of the four
> 'neighbors' being vacant housing, so I'm not too worried about
> neighbors complaining about it. I'd like to paint our logo on the
> garage but I'm afraid that it my draw too much attention from the
> zoning people.
>  Do any of your co-ops operate in non-commercialy zoned space? Have
> you had any problems arise because of it?
> Thanks,
> Jake
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