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Commission backs two-tier home-occupation process to speed low-impact permits
Summary
Planning Director Steve Neilson described a two-tier home-occupation permitting process to let staff approve low-impact businesses and reserve Board of Zoning Appeals review for businesses with employees or clients. The commission voted 8-0 to recommend Text 2079-2017 to City Council.
Planning Director Steve Neilson presented Text 2079-2017, a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance creating a two-tier system for home-occupation permits. Under the proposal, staff could approve home occupations with minimal neighborhood impact, while home businesses that involve employees, clients, or students visiting the residence would be required to seek review by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Neilson told the commission that staff believes the two-tier approach will save review time for low-impact applicants and waive the $50 review fee when the staff-approval path is used. Commissioners discussed eligibility to apply; the commission agreed that a tenant must obtain the property owner's signature on the home-occupation permit application.
Secretary Rose Parella moved to recommend the text amendment to City Council; Mayor Gary Chesney seconded. The motion carried by voice vote, recorded as 8 yes, 0 no. The transcript records the unanimous voice vote but does not include a roll-call record of individual votes.
The change would also remove home occupations from commercial districts and define the two approval tiers in the residential zoning sections. The commission forwarded the recommended language to City Council for consideration.
