The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a proposal to allow residential dwelling units within the commercial office (C-O) zoning district in Fountain Hills.

The proposal would require the residential use to have a special use permit.

While the Zoning Ordinance does not currently allow for residential use within the C-O designation, the ordinance does consider them compatible.

“The intent of this district is to integrate limited commercial activity and professional offices on the small lot and common parking lot scheme with residential land uses in a climate favorable to both,” the ordinance states. “Particular attention is to be paid to the interface between commercial or professional uses and the residential uses within the same neighborhood.”

Staff does have an applicant interested in using the second floor of a building within C-O zoning for residential use, along with a business on the first floor.

At the same meeting the commission will consider making a recommendation on an application for a special use permit for the property at 16857 E. Saguaro Blvd. at Firebrick Drive.

The existing business in the building is the International Center of Education for the Advancement of Silicone Prosthetics.

The applicant describes the business as having “prosthetic education workshops, training and silicone prosthetics are molded and manufactured for individual patients.”

The applicant states that the livable space on the second floor was created prior to the current owner occupying the building, but they call the livable area essential to patient use.

The current owner did not know the conversion to living space was done without town approval, and are attempting to rectify that situation with this zoning request.

The Planning and Zoning Commission will be considering a recommendation to the town council for both the zoning amendment and the specific application begin requested. The commission will meet Thursday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Town Hall. The meeting is open to the public.