Jurupa Valley planning commission asks staff to redraw home-occupation rules, returns draft to Nov. 12

The Jurupa Valley Planning Commission reviewed a proposed zoning code amendment to Title 9 that would create a formal ‘‘home occupation permit’’ and new development and operational standards for businesses operated from residences, and commissioners voted to continue the item to the commission meeting on Nov. 12 so staff can revise the draft.

Principal Planner Tamara Campbell presented the draft, saying the changes respond to pandemic-era shifts in telecommuting and aim to clarify an out-of-date county-derived code. "Home occupation means that it's a business use that's customarily conducted in a residence, provided that the use is incidental and secondary to the principal use of the dwelling as a residence," Campbell said. She described a new HOP (home occupation permit) application, an annual review requirement and an accompanying business-registration certificate.

The draft would require applicants to submit a floor plan showing the area used for the home occupation, a notarized affidavit confirming compliance with the permit conditions and, where the operator is a renter, written owner approval. Campbell told commissioners the community development director would approve or deny HOPs, denials must be documented in writing, and denials or suspensions would be appealable to the planning commission and then the city council. She also said staff…