Council asks staff to review business‑license code after resident installs commercial kitchen

Councilmembers reviewed a complaint about a commercial kitchen installed in a residential property. The resident obtained a state cottage-food license for limited products but also appears to operate a commercial kitchen producing other items that are not covered by that cottage license.

Staff reported the business license cannot be issued under current city code because the operation exceeds cottage‑license allowances for a residential zone. The sewer district (Ash Creek) may require grease traps or other sewer improvements for the operation to continue; staff said the operator has had state inspections for some components but did not disclose the full, proper license for the products being made.

Councilmembers asked staff to review whether city licensing language should be amended to clarify what cottage licenses permit, how the city should coordinate with Ash Creek Sewer District on grease‑trap and sewer requirements, and whether administrative steps can be taken to allow small cottage producers (popcorn, chips and salsa sold at markets) to operate legally while ensuring public-health and utility compliance.

Staff were directed to consult Ash Creek and the state cottage‑food rules and return with code-change options and guidance for applicants; no business license was issued at the meeting.