DeKalb City planning commission recommends allowing small educational home-occupation classes in garages

The DeKalb City Planning and Zoning Commission on July 6 recommended that the City Council approve a text amendment to Chapter 23 of the Unified Development Ordinance that would allow educational home-occupation programming to take place in accessory structures, such as detached garages, across residential zones.

City staff explained the proposed change to Article 7.07, saying it would add an exception allowing educational programming in accessory structures provided the city manager finds the activities "will not create substantial greater vehicle or pedestrian traffic than would normally be generated by the home occupation within the principal residence." The staff presentation emphasized the amendment would not permit uses already listed as prohibited in section 7.0703, which includes automobile repair, carpentry and vehicle painting.

Resident Jessica Chima, who lives at 250 Augusta Avenue, told commissioners she raises heirloom vegetables, collects rainwater and makes compost and would like to "teach others about what I do" in a small detached garage. "I'm a firm believer that I can't change the world, but I can have a meaningful impact on my community," Chima said, and estimated "probably up to 10" people would attend classes.

Commissioners pressed staff on parking and enforcement. The city manager said the change would be considered on a case-by-case basis. "We're not going to go out hunting for them," the city manager said, noting that if larger gatherings or commercial sales occurred they would not qualify as allowed home occupations under the UDO.

Commissioner Shali moved that the commission forward its findings of fact and recommend approval of the proposed text amendment as shown in Exhibit A; Murray seconded. The commission approved the recommendation by roll call vote; staff recorded affirmative responses from members present and declared the motion passed.

The recommendation advances the amendment to the City Council for final action. If approved by council, the change would apply to all residentially zoned properties in DeKalb City; the staff report notes the 15% limit on floor area used for a home occupation still applies and that educational programming must not include prohibited activities.