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Council adopts home‑occupation code changes, exempts farm produce and raises vehicle‑trip threshold
Summary
Chelan City Council adopted zoning code amendments for home occupations that add a state‑required farm‑produce exemption and increase the vehicle‑trip threshold from 10 to 16 trips per day (about eight customer visits), with the council noting the threshold can be revisited if complaints rise.
The Chelan City Council adopted amendments to the home‑occupation portion of the city code that include a farm‑produce exemption and an increased vehicle‑trip threshold.
Community Development Director Ajax told council staff added two items after public hearing comments: an explicit farm‑produce exemption to conform with Washington law (RCW 36.71.090), so producers selling their own farm produce are not required to obtain a home‑occupation permit or a business license, while general police powers (traffic and noise rules) still apply. Ajax also presented a revised vehicle‑trip threshold: the original proposal limited home occupations to 10 vehicle trips per day, which equated to about five customers; staff recommended Option 2 — 16 vehicle trips per day (roughly eight customer visits), described as allowing “one customer per hour” under typical conditions.
Councilmember Tim Hollingsworth moved to adopt ordinance 2026-1653 with Option 2 (16 vehicle trips); Councilmember Benagis seconded. Councilmembers who spoke in favor cited flexibility for residents and the ability to revisit the threshold if complaints increased. The motion passed.
Council members asked staff to monitor complaints and return with adjustments if the new threshold generates neighborhood impacts. The ordinance amendment text clarifies that the farm‑produce exemption does not override baseline police powers related to traffic, noise and nuisance.
