Commission backs limit on vehicles, trailers for home‑based businesses

The Midway City Planning Commission on Aug. 11 recommended that City Council approve a text amendment to Section 16.13.270 (Home Occupations) to limit the number of vehicles and trailers associated with home‑based businesses. Commissioner Travis Nokes moved to recommend approval with modifications that limit visible parked vehicles and trailers to two and require parking on an appropriate surface; the motion passed unanimously.

Staff said most home occupations have had little impact on neighborhoods but that a small number had grown to include multiple vehicles and trailers, creating compatibility concerns. The original staff language described a limit tied to "garage capacity plus two;" commissioners favored clearer wording that would allow vehicles stored in the garage and no more than two vehicles or trailers parked and visible outside the garage. Commissioners also recommended requiring parking on an appropriate surface — concrete, asphalt, pavers or gravel — and clarified the limit applies to the property, not to each individual business.

The commission noted that home occupations are intended to remain secondary to residential use and that the amendment aligns with the General Plan goal of maintaining neighborhood character. No public comments were received on this item. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for ordinance drafting and final action.