Council approves UDC amendment to streamline home-occupation renewals

Kennesaw’s City Council voted unanimously Dec. 15 to adopt a text amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) aimed at improving clarity and efficiency for home-occupation permits.

Planning staff told the council that the proposed changes update Section 4.04.05 to clarify the distinction between Type A and Type B home-occupation applications, add parking definitions for off-site employees, remove contradictory prohibited-use language (including a cottage food operation reference), and create an administrative renewal process that removes the need for re-advertisement and a public hearing for renewals. “This new process eliminates the need for re advertisement and a public hearing before the board, thereby reducing the administrative burden while ensuring continued compliance with the ordinance standards,” planning staff said during the hearing.

Staff also reported that, after further review and consultation with involved departments, the restriction limiting only one Type A (virtual office) application will be removed while a cap will remain for Type B applications that require council review. The amendment was advertised in the Municipal Legal Organ (MDJ) on Nov. 14, in accordance with ordinance requirements.

Councilmember Pat called the amendment “an excellent first step” and urged staff to continue streamlining the process for new applicants. The council approved the ordinance 5-0.

Next steps: staff will monitor the new administrative renewal procedure and continue to review application processing times and related feedback from applicants and the public.