Assessing the effect of change of property use from residential to commercial in the suburb areas of Kampala; case study of Bukoto and Kololo.

Abstract

Change of property use refers to the shift from one use to another such as shift from residential to office or residential to commercial. However, some properties are not easily altered in use for example residential to commercial due to certain reasons. According to Baryomunsi (NBS Housing Baraza, 2019). He points out that many forms of property use are relatively inflexible, as for example a residential apartment may not be easily converted into an office building and there is no opportunity to correct the adverse effects of bad decision once this change is carried out. Conversion on the other hand involve changing the form particularly the function. This research though sought to address conversion of a building being changed for a new purpose and then observing how this change in function impacts on the form and character of the old property. A commercial property is any property that is approved and designed for retail or wholesale trade, hotel, restaurant, office, clinics, warehouses, business outlet or any such use but not residential. Residential property is a property whose use is predominantly housing. Housing may vary significantly between, and through, residential areas. These include single family housing, multiple family housing such as (apartments, duplexes and condominiums). Zoning for residential use may permit some services or work opportunities or may totally exclude business and industry. It may permit high density land use or only permit low density uses. Residential zoning usually includes a small floor to area ratio than business, commercial or industrial/manufacturing zoning. (MSK DESIGNS, 2017) Most residential developments are usually situated in existing or planned infrastructure such as rail, road, drainage and pavements. The pattern of development is usually set forth in the restrictive covenants contained in the deeds to the properties in the development, but may also result from or be reinforced by zoning.