Austin Zoning SF-3, a retail store located inside the zone however it closed.
If a store in an SF-3 zoned area closes, can the new property continue to function as a store? What steps would be needed to take for it to continue as a store or continue as retail?
[{"id": "gunagg4", "text": "Check the zoning map with the city and see if there are other commercial spots next door to it. You may need to rezone to continue use as a business or that business was operating illegal", "replies": [{"id": "gunb0s9", "text": "Can a business be grandfathered in? Or is it the case that anytime something is rezoned out of ordinance it requires a variance?", "replies": [], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gunbsca", "text": "&gt; What steps would be needed to take for it to continue as a store or continue as retail? \n\nA rezone would be the most permanent.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gunch8b", "text": "If I remember correctly from RE law this is a [non-conforming use](https://community-planning.extension.org/nonconforming-uses-aka-grandfathered-uses-in-zoning/)... If it's the SAME EXACT business, you are usually 100% good. If it is not, then its a state-by-state issue. I'd second the advice to re-zone as this will prevent any issues in the future re: selling the property.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "gunl1pa", "text": "Ok wait.\n\nThe area is SF3, but what is the property zoned as?", "replies": [{"id": "gunl6l8", "text": "SF-3-HD-NCCD-NP \nI believe that it falls under the -NP corner store", "replies": [{"id": "gunmr8x", "text": "Ok, so SF3 you know.\n\nHD is historic district - these usually come with entertaining design requirements, and other party gags.\n\nNCCD - neighborhood conservation yadda... \n\nNP - is a neighborhood plan district. And Option A is for Corner Store and such, but they use the word 'can' not 'should' or 'will'. Tread lightly.\n\n(Yes I looked it up...)\n\nIn general, if a business has been in place then a business type, that is not precluded and will not change the overall character of the area, can go there. You MAY be required to bring the building up to code. (Read: probably) so be aware of the parking and sprinkler reqs.\n\nConsult your local planning specialist, but don't show them this bc the 'party gags' comment will make them twitch. :)", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "guom2s9", "text": "Likely - yes, it can continue the same use type. It\u2019s a non-confirming use to the zoning, but that\u2019s ok. Find out what use type is on the existing CO (cert of occupancy).\n\nIf you want to change from, say, a \u201cstore\u201d (need to be more specific on type of store) to another retail use like a nail salon, then you\u2019ll need to talk with the DAC  at the city offices to see what existing certificate of occupancy use it has as a new CO will likely be needed.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]