Commissioners reviewed several residential design and accessory‑use topics including home occupations, refuse enclosures, basement escape wells and material standards.

On home occupations, staff retained current draft language allowing home occupations to be conducted in the principal dwelling and in detached accessory structures, subject to performance standards that prevent full commercial operations at the home. Commissioners heard public and member comments and decided to leave the draft language as is; they noted enforcement is typically about whether a home occupation exceeds performance limits rather than where it is conducted.

Regarding basement escape wells, members asked whether escape wells should be allowed in required setbacks. Staff recommended clarifying encroachment language and commissioners agreed to allow a single escape well encroachment in side yards where necessary, subject to size minimums and safety standards.

Commissioners debated adding a masonry requirement for single‑family construction. Some argued masonry improves durability and neighborhood character; others said masonry mandates can be expensive, reduce design variety and create many nonconforming existing homes. The commission did not adopt a masonry requirement at this meeting and asked staff to return with comparisons and potential design standards that protect character without imposing blanket material mandates.

Staff will incorporate the agreed escape‑well clarification, leave home‑occupation language as drafted, clarify refuse‑container screening requirements, and prepare options on masonry/building-material standards for future consideration.