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Atkinson board discusses home-business rules, signage and traffic concerns
Summary
Selectman Bob Worden and the Planning Board reviewed what home enterprises could be allowed, from small bakeries to flower sales, and debated sign, vehicle and parking rules to balance local small-business activity with neighborhood safety and traffic impacts.
Selectman Bob Worden and the Atkinson Planning Board on Feb. 4 discussed clarifying what kinds of home businesses should be allowed and how to enforce related regulations.
Worden asked which home occupations are permissible and the board gave examples — small in-home bakeries, dog day-care services and flower sales — noting that some businesses have operated without formal approval. Chair Sue Killam said legitimate home businesses should be able to operate within clear rules and that signs must be approved. Alternate Karen McFadden said the Master Plan survey indicated residents want more small businesses in town.
Members discussed enforcement challenges: Member Edward Stewart recalled a time when the town strictly enforced commercial-vehicle rules after a resident brought a tractor-trailer home, while Killam said the ordinance made it difficult for legitimate small entrepreneurs to comply. Worden said the goal is to allow small sellers (flowers, baked goods, firewood, honey) while preventing high-volume commercial traffic (large trucks) from creating safety or parking problems.
The board suggested potential solutions including requiring business owners to keep customer vehicles off the road and holding business owners responsible if traffic or parking becomes a nuisance. No formal changes were adopted; the board directed further study and flagged the issue for follow-up discussions and public outreach.
