Commission recommends ordinance 26-0224 to align home-based business rules with state law

The City of White House Planning and Zoning Commission on Feb. 17 recommended approval of ordinance 26-0224, which would revise section 21.7 of the city’s combined zoning ordinance to ensure consistency with state law on home-based businesses. Planning staff said the proposed amendments clarify the distinction between 'no impact' home-based businesses, which would be permitted by right, and those that may require a permit because of potential impacts on surrounding residential areas. Staff said the draft amendments had been reviewed by the city attorney.

In presenting the item, staff referenced state legislation (transcript: 'House Bill 24 64') that limits municipal regulation of certain home-based businesses. Chair (Speaker 2) questioned a provision that referenced sprinkler systems, asking whether that language implied a commercial sprinkler requirement; staff said they had not had time to look up the commercial code to confirm and therefore could not immediately clarify the sprinkler reference.

Commissioner Speaker 4 moved to recommend approval of ordinance 26-0224; Speaker 3 seconded. The commission approved the recommendation by voice vote after the chair asked for those in favor and no opposition was raised.

Next steps: the ordinance recommendation will be forwarded to city council for consideration. Staff and the city attorney have reviewed the proposed language; commissioners requested staff confirm whether the sprinkler-system reference aligns with the city’s commercial building requirements before council review.