Scappoose planners approve home-occupation permit for psychic services

The Scappoose Planning Commission approved a Type 2 home-occupation permit for Molly Guy to operate a psychic services business at 51631 Columbia River Highway, staff said.

Staff presented the application and recommended approval, saying the property sits in an expanded commercial zone and the applicant proposed using a 247 ft room in the southeast corner of the house for readings. Lori (planning staff) told the commission the permit type allows up to six customers a day and an exterior sign; the applicant, Ms. Guy, said she expects to serve about one client per day. Lori said police and public works raised no objections and that the Scappoose Fire District fire marshal supplied conditions addressing open-flame devices, fire extinguishers and flammable materials that have been folded into the recommended conditions.

"We believe that the home occupation is likely to have a negligible impact on nearby properties," Lori said during the staff presentation.

No proponents or opponents spoke during the public-hearing portion. After closing the hearing, commissioners described the application as straightforward, moved to approve the permit "as presented," and carried the motion by voice vote; no opposition was recorded. The approval is subject to the six conditions listed in the staff report and to any building permits required should the applicant pursue structural, plumbing, mechanical or electrical work.

The decision was made in a quasi-judicial hearing; staff cited the applicable Scappoose municipal code chapters in the staff report and the findings supporting the recommendation. Ms. Guy declined further comment beyond saying, "I think Lori pretty much covered everything," during the meeting.

Next steps: the decision of the planning commission can be appealed to the city council following the procedures described in the staff report.