Bonjour, Accessory Commerical Units

What is happening? Before my time, the US welcomed small businesses at home- like the porch salon or barber shop. Since we’re heading into the Roaring 20s, what’s old is new again. Meet the Accessory Commerical Unit, a compact small business space that is added to the lot of a residential property.

Why is this important? The goal is to make small business ownership more accessible and cities more livable.

How will this be important? Portland, New Orleans and Minneapolis allow Accessory Commerical Units. Raleigh, N.C., may amend its zoning code to allow all neighborhoods currently zoned residential to have them, with limits on number of employees and customer occupancy. “Under the proposal, ACUs could be used for offices, restaurants, and service-oriented businesses like hair salons.”

Market Urbanism Report via Governing | The Case for More Backyard Bodegas and Sidewalk Salons