Occupancies

● Classrooms
● Breakout Rooms
● Storage Rooms
○ Maintenance Closet
○ Storage RM (materials and supplies for ongoing property development)
● Hand On Training Area
● Bathrooms (2) - Single Toilets
● Bathrooms (2) - 2 or more toilets each
● Break Area
● Kitchenette
● Prayer Room
● Reception
● Offices (accommodate 2 people each)
○ 1 office to serve as copy and supply room)
 Space Name Quantity SQ Footage (est.) Occupancy Classification Notes
Reception 1 300 B

Classrooms 2-3 20 sqft/person B one classroom

500-750 Shops and other may exist as a
vocational room areas flexible space

Breakout Rooms 2 120-150 E

Prayer Room 1 100-150 B dividing wall may

be needed to
separate between
genders

Offices 2 120 B accommodate 2

people each, 1
could be slightly
larger and also
serve as a copy &
supply room

Kitchenette 1 200-300 B

Break Area 1 200 B

Storage Rooms 2-3 300-500 S-1 or S-2 Different storages

with different
standard

Restrooms 4 150-250 B - 2 single toilets,

gender-neutral
and handicapped
accessible
- 2 more with two
toilets each

Hands-On 1 50 sqft/person B e.g. space to

Training Area ~1250 sqft total Shops and other practice with
vocational room areas ladders, practice
cutting with
power tools, etc.

WORKFORCE 1 ~6722 sq ft B (Business)

TRAINING
CENTER
● Renovation vs. Alteration
○ Renovation:
■ Definition: Renovation involves restoring or improving an existing space
to make it look and function better, often without changing its
fundamental structure.
■ Purpose: Typically done to update or refresh a room's aesthetics or to
repair and replace outdated or damaged elements.
■ Examples: Repainting walls, replacing flooring, upgrading kitchen
appliances, retiling a bathroom.
■ Scope: It may include cosmetic changes and some structural work (like
changing windows or doors), but the basic layout and function of the
space remain the same.
○ Alteration:
■ Definition: Alteration refers to changing the structure or layout of an
interior space, modifying its existing configuration for a new purpose or
enhanced functionality.
■ Purpose: Done to adapt the space to different needs or uses, often
involving more significant structural changes.
■ Examples: Removing or adding walls, creating new rooms, enlarging or
downsizing spaces.
■ Scope: Alters the architectural features and often involves more technical
work, like electrical or plumbing changes.
● Zoning
○ MX-2
■ Map
■ Rules and regulations
○ Guidelines
○ Challenges/Opportunities
● Building Type
○ Limitations on height and stories
■ Non-Conforming Uses: If the 1-story building’s current use does not align
with the allowed uses in the MX-2 zone, it might be considered
"non-conforming." In such cases, you might need a special use permit or
variance to continue or modify the building’s use.
■ Variance Requests: If you plan to exceed height, setback, or other zoning
regulations, you may need to apply for a variance from the local planning
authority.
 ■ Although MX-2 zones generally allow taller buildings, a 1-story building
may have opportunities for vertical expansion. Local guidelines will
dictate the maximum allowable height, which is often between 3 to 6
stories in MX-2 zones.
■ Green Building Standards: Depending on local regulations, MX-2 zoning
might require adherence to sustainability standards like LEED
certification, energy-efficient building materials, or water conservation
measures.
■ (IF APPLICABLE)
■ Preservation Guidelines: If the building is in a designated historic area or
is itself a historic structure, there may be restrictions on alterations,
including limits on changing the façade or interior spaces.

● Do we need to change the zoning title for the purposes of our project?
Challenges:
● Balancing Residential and Commercial Needs:
○ Noise and Traffic: Co-locating businesses and residences can create conflicts,
such as noise complaints from residents due to commercial activities or increased
traffic.
○ Business Hours vs. Residential Privacy: Commercial spaces may operate late into
the night or early in the morning, disturbing residents.

● Parking and Infrastructure Requirements:

○ Limited Parking: Mixed-use developments often aim to reduce car dependency,
but there can still be demand for parking, especially for businesses or residential
visitors.
○ Infrastructure Strain: Increased density can put pressure on existing infrastructure
(roads, utilities, public transport).

● Design and Aesthetic Challenges:

○ Architectural Harmony: Balancing the design between commercial storefronts and
residential aesthetics can be tricky, leading to concerns over uniformity and the
look and feel of the neighborhood.
○ Building Code Compliance: Different building uses may require varied
compliance measures for fire safety, accessibility, or HVAC, making it complex to
meet all the regulations.

● Cost and Financing:

○ Higher Development Costs: The complexity of designing spaces that
accommodate multiple uses, along with the need for high-quality materials and
amenities, can increase development costs.
○ Financing Difficulties: Mixed-use projects may face challenges in securing
financing, as lenders sometimes view these developments as riskier compared to
single-use projects.

● Community Resistance:
○ Neighborhood Opposition: Existing residents might oppose new mixed-use
developments due to concerns over density, changes in character, or the
introduction of businesses that they perceive as undesirable.
Opportunities:
● Increased Property Value:
○ Desirable Location: Mixed-use areas often become highly sought after because of
their proximity to amenities like shops, restaurants, and services, increasing
property values for both commercial and residential units.
○ Economic Growth: MX-2 zones can spur economic growth, attracting businesses
and residents, which contributes to tax revenue and local employment.

● Sustainability and Walkability:

○ Reduced Car Dependency: MX-2 zoning promotes walkability and the use of
public transportation, helping reduce traffic congestion and lowering carbon
emissions.
○ Green Building Opportunities: The integration of multiple uses can support green
building practices, energy efficiency, and better land use.

● Diverse Community Development:

○ Inclusive and Vibrant Communities: By mixing different land uses, MX-2 zones
can create diverse neighborhoods where people live, work, and socialize in the
same area, promoting social interaction and community engagement.
○ Live-Work Spaces: MX-2 zoning often allows for innovative housing options, like
live-work units, where residents can operate businesses from their homes, catering
to entrepreneurs and small business owners.

● Increased Flexibility:
○ Adaptability: Mixed-use buildings and neighborhoods are more adaptable to
changing market conditions. For example, if demand for retail space declines, it
could be converted into residential or office space.
○ Zoning Flexibility: Developers have more flexibility to create diverse spaces that
can meet changing consumer needs or demographics, which can also lead to
unique architectural and design opportunities.

● Improved Quality of Life:

○ Convenience: Residents have greater access to goods, services, and employment,
reducing commute times and improving work-life balance.
○ Urban Revitalization: MX-2 zoning can help revitalize underused or neglected
urban areas by introducing new developments that attract people and investment.