Board approves home‑occupation for color and style consultant amid neighborhood objections

The board granted a special exception allowing Kristen Hargreaves to run a by‑appointment personal‑services studio (House of Color) from her home at 641 Hartford Drive, limiting operations to scheduled clients and no exterior changes.

Hargreaves described the business as appointment‑only color and style consultations that typically last about an hour: "It's by appointment only, so there's no drop in, there's no retail. It is simply a 1 on 1," she said. Staff told the board the operation would normally allow up to three clients per day and that clients would park in the petitioner’s driveway. The petition drew written opposition (three letters and a petition) and neighbors spoke at the hearing, arguing the neighborhood is a planned residential community and that permitting one business could set a precedent.

Board members said Hargreaves’ transparency and proposed limits reduced enforcement risk. The board noted licensing and 311 complaint processes as tools if operations exceed the approved standards. The special exception was approved with typical conditions (appointment limits, no exterior signage beyond ordinance allowances, and reliance on parking in the driveway).

What happens next: The petitioner may begin operations within the conditions set by the board; neighbors were encouraged to report issues through 311 if the operation exceeds permitted activity.