“RCU Residential, Commercial Use” is a property designation used in Portland, Oregon (as well as in other jurisdictions across the country) to describe a property that has both residential and limited commercial uses, excluding industrial uses. Thus, a property designated as RCU may have a single-family home and an office or retail space on the same property, and in the same building.
Both Oregon and Multnomah County define commercial use as “the use of land primarily for the retail sale of products or services, including offices. It does not include factories, warehouses, freight terminals, or wholesale distribution centers.” However, depending on the county and/or city ordinances, there may be certain limited agricultural or industrial uses that are allowed as long as they do not alter the general character of the area, and dependent on approval.
Zoning codes are highly localized, and there may be layers of different city and county codes that apply to your property. What exactly can be included as a commercial use may vary from block to block, so checking the exact language of the zoning codes for your area is crucial. For example, in Portland, even if your property is not zoned for commercial use, you may still be able to conduct certain business at your house in which a limited number of customers show up per day (for example, teaching music lessons). You may also be able to list your home as a business address, and other limited uses. This type of limited commercial use that may be allowed even if your property is not zoned as commercial is called an “Accessory Home Occupation.” Be sure to verify that this is allowed in your local codes before starting a home business.
For more information on Portland, Oregon zoning codes, visit https://efiles.portlandoregon.gov/record/17901607
