A. Purpose. The mixed-use (MU) overlay zone, in combination with any other zone, requires a mix of residential and nonresidential uses on the same site where mixed-use development would otherwise be at the discretion of the property owner. The primary purpose of the MU overlay zone is to provide a means for the city to identify areas where the public health, safety, and welfare will be enhanced by requiring that all allowed development be in the form of mixed-use projects, where ground floor street frontages are occupied by retail, business, or personal services uses and residential uses are located above or to the rear of a site. The MU overlay zone is intended to promote a compact city, to provide additional housing opportunities—including affordable housing opportunities—which is the first priority, and to reduce vehicle travel by providing services, jobs, and housing in proximity. The city desires the safety provided by having residential components in commercial areas.

B. Application.