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Board moves to harmonize home-occupation limits; staff suggests 30% cap and no signage
Summary
Staff identified conflicting home-occupation definitions (35% in one place, 15% in another) and proposed aligning rules so a home business uses no more than roughly 30% of the primary dwelling, cannot have outside signage, and must be subordinate to residential use; board asked staff to check IRS and return with clarified language.
Planning staff told the board that the zoning code currently contains conflicting rules for home occupations — one definition cites up to 35% of floor area, while section 110513 limits certain activity to 15% — and recommended harmonizing the code to avoid confusion.
Staff proposed tying home-occupation activity to the primary dwelling unit (not detached accessory structures), limiting use to about 30% of the unit, and prohibiting signs so home businesses remain subordinate to residential character. "The intent of a home occupation is that your neighbors around you do not even know that you're technically conducting one," the staff presenter said.
Board members raised practical concerns for residents who converted offices to homes and for older neighborhoods that rely on small impervious pads for parking. Staff agreed to research IRS rules and return with recommended language that balances enforcement, neighborhood protections and realistic allowances for owners who operate small businesses from attached garages or homes.
The board indicated preliminary support for the more restrictive, clarified standard, but asked staff to return with final wording and examples before formal adoption.
