A zoning amendment that proponents say would give developers a chance to use “a little bit of imagination” will come before voters at Annual Town Meeting next month.

The Planning Board sponsored an agenda item allowing “mixed use” developments in the town’s Limited Commercial District and accompanying guidelines. If adopted, businesses and residences could be built in the same structure or on the same parcel within the district. The current bylaw requires that lots be developed as one or the other.

“These serve as a design parameter for developers to use a little bit of imagination when they go do a project,” Planning Board Chair Arnie Johnson told Selectmen on Tuesday night. “[Developers] don’t necessarily have to adopt mixed use, they could go one hundred percent residential or one hundred percent business, but this is an option that will be very beneficial to the town.”

The district includes the Plumb Corner Mall lot and surrounding land as well as parcels on New Bedford Road, located across the street from the post office. Under the proposed bylaw, a developer may build up to eight residences on a lot. For projects seeking additional housing a special permit must be secured.

Selectmen welcomed the bylaw’s flexibility regarding housing.

“There’s no apartments for rent for people who aren’t in a position to buy a house,” Selectman Naida Parker said. “This will satisfy that need.”

Town Counsel Blair Bailey said the bylaw is meant to encourage projects that would also add commercial tax revenue.

Johnson said the bylaw isn’t going to expand the Limited Commercial District. Other changes include removing language that identifies by name businesses that could open in the district. The bylaw currently states that some archaic businesses, such as typewriter repair shops, are suitable for the district.

Bailey recommended removing that language and adding a clause that requires projects adhere to the town’s aesthetic.

A public hearing on the bylaw is scheduled for the Planning Board’s May 12 meeting in Town Hall.