Accessory Commercial Units
Zoning Practice — December 2025
By Bobby Boone, AICP, Max Pastore
As communities across the country seek more equitable, adaptable, and walkable neighborhoods, accessory commercial units (ACUs) have emerged as a promising, yet underutilized, tool for neighborhood vitality. ACUs refer to small-scale, often homeowner- or tenant-operated businesses integrated into primarily residential lots. These uses, like corner coffee kiosks, backyard salons, or garage bicycle repairs, can strengthen local economies, reduce barriers to entrepreneurship, and develop amenity-rich neighborhoods.
Despite their potential, ACUs remain a fringe zoning concept. Nationwide, few examples exist of communities fully integrating ACUs into zoning, permitting, and development review processes. While Pomona, California, has adopted zoning that allows ACUs by-right, which may serve as a model for other communities, it has yet to see homeowners apply for permits.
This issue of Zoning Practice explores the barriers to and opportunities for ACU adoption. It offers advice for communities considering ACUs through practical recommendations for enabling ACUs as the missing middle between home-based businesses and traditional commercial districts, bridging neighborhood-scaled commerce and community-serving design.
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About the Authors
Bobby Boone, AICP
Bobby, founder of &Access, an urban retail strategy firm, is passionate about solving complex problems. He has developed retail strategies for cities like DC, Raleigh, and Tulsa, using his expertise in market analysis and placemaking to stabilize real estate through retail occupancy and support entrepreneurs. Bobby also serves on the leadership team of the Small Business Anti-Displacement Network, driving strategies to sustain occupancy. He has lectured courses on retail planning and design at Harvard University, Howard University, and the University of Maryland while leading strategic research at &Access, uncovering issues plaguing urban retail environments.
Max Pastore
Max Pastore is an Associate Planner at the City of Pomona, and urban design Adjunct Lecturer at Cal Poly Pomona. Their approach to design, coding, and teaching is informed by their experience collaborating with diverse communities nationwide. Max is drawn to communities aiming to maximize equitable and sustainable outcomes for their built environment. Their experience includes managing zoning rewrite and urban design projects across a variety of scales. Outside of work, Max managed the construction of their own accessory dwelling unit-- further motivating Max to make zoning more accessible and user-friendly to the general public. Max has a Master of Community Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Maryland College Park.