People may soon be able to live on the first floor of buildings in downtown Washington, one block off the square. With a 5-1 vote, the Washington City Council approved the first reading of the ordinance at their meeting last night. The ordinance was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

City Administrator Brent Hinson explained the ordinance sets a standard and creates a new category for site plans to be approved by the city. Under the ordinance, at least half of the first floor must remain commercial and the owner of the building must have dedicated parking spots for the residential uses. The ordinance will have a second and third reading before being adopted.