City may let people live where they work

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Updated: September 18, 2011 12:15AM

Chicago would return to its roots — and reduce commuting — by allowing people to live and work in the same place, under a zoning change introduced Wednesday.

Ald. “Proco” Joe Moreno (1st) wants to change the city’s zoning code to allow up to 30 percent of work space in low-intensity business districts to be used for living space.

The zoning code currently allows only artists to live in their work space as well as those with home offices. The new ordinance would pave the way for attorneys, accountants, retailers, chefs and hairdressers to do the same.

“Families used to live in stores. This ordinance is a return to tradition. It makes a lot of sense in the present economic climate,” Moreno said in a press release.

“Government needs to act as a resource for business — not as an impediment or obstacle.”