City Council’s economic revitalization committee Friday tried to see if zoning law can create more business opportunity as Williamsport tries to emerge from negative COVID-19 pandemic impacts.

David Banks, chairman of the committee, said a review of the zoning map shows mixed-use areas have been “fairly limited.”

To counter that, the council recently adopted “flex-space” allowance for buildings in commercial, light-manufacturing and heavy manufacturing zones.

That’s for buildings occupied by two or more types of allowed uses and not including residential uses.

Examples include office space, wholesalers, light-manufacturing, showrooms and some sales offices.

Flex-space buildings are not to be put in residential areas, but that is where the city offers such availability in a residential-urban zone, said Gary Knarr, city zoning officer.

The residential-urban zone permits certain commercial uses with guidance and conditions set forth by council.

“It doesn’t allow a car dealership in a residential area,” Knarr said. Rather, he suggested, these are good zones for mom and pop convenience stores in those residential area or a small restaurant.

Councilwoman Liz Miele noted how the flex-space building can be included in the commercial districts and may fit in with proposed regulations on parking.

She said the city leaders will continue to look at new issues regarding parking to make it fairer for residents and businesses.

Some businesses in a flex-space facility may work during first shift and others on the second or third shifts, Knarr said.

“Overlapping hours may be put in the ordinance to accommodate that,” he said.