
Step 1-a: Opening in a Commercial Zone
If you are planning on opening a business in a commercial zone the first step is making sure that the business you would like to open is allowed in that zone. Lafayette, like all Oregon cities, has specific rules about what types of businesses are allowed in which zone. For example, a doctor's or lawyer's office is allowed in the C-1 zone but a cabinet factory is not.* A car lot would not be allowed, the lots currently in operation are what are called "non-conforming use" and can remain unless they become vacant for a year. Our Lafayette Zoning and Development Ordinance dictates which type of business can be located in which zones. You can find the LZDO here.
*Small scale fabrication is allowed only if it is secondary to and related to the primary retail use on the same property.