Tupelo planning committee approves Juice 4 17 to operate in accessory building with one-year review

On June 2, 2025, the Tupelo Planning Committee approved a flexible-use variance to allow a home-based cold-pressed juicing business to operate in an accessory building behind 1010 Polk Street.

The staff recommendation, read by Madeline Sheridan of the City of Tupelo planning staff, approved the request “as long as the business meets the health department standards for food preparation, and there's no additional impact on public health or safety. And there are no more than 5 customers per day with parking to be available.” The committee’s approval is contingent on an administrative review after one year to check for complaints or problems stemming from customer visits.

Applicant Joanne Atkinson told the committee she plans to operate under the name Juice 4 17 and described the business as a cold-pressed, all‑natural juicing company intended to offer signature fruit and wellness juices tailored to individual needs. “Bringing health and wellness to the whole body, 1 juice at a time,” Atkinson said, summarizing her mission.

Atkinson said she has been operating part time from her home since March, meeting customers for pick-up and occasionally delivering by arrangement, and estimated about four pickups per day during that period. She told the committee she sources produce from her personal garden, from “local farmers,” and from supermarket organic departments. She said she washes and soaks produce before use and that she has consulted the health department about required equipment and food‑safety steps.

Staff and the committee discussed measures meant to limit neighborhood impacts: the staff condition limiting customer visits to five per day at the accessory building and requiring available parking. A committee member asked whether Atkinson would schedule pick-ups or deliver if demand exceeded that limit; Atkinson said she would reschedule customers to other days or deliver so as not to exceed five visits to the house.

After discussion the committee voted to approve the flexible-use variance with the one-year review. Staff told Atkinson they would prepare an approval letter and that she must obtain the appropriate permits, including a certificate of occupancy and any health-department permits, before beginning commercial operations in the accessory structure. Staff indicated permit services are handled on the Third Floor and named Miss Tanya and Miss Riley as contacts.