Laserfiche WebLink
<br />and clients are invited to the home, which requires a home occupation permit. She explained that <br />this option does not allow a business to be located in or have storage in the garage. She stated <br />that the third category is for properties that exceed three-acres in size. She explained that this <br />type of business can have one to three nonresident employees and can be operated out of the <br />garage. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen asked why three-acres were selected. <br /> <br />Ms. Frolik explained that three-acres would allow protection of residential areas and commercial <br />business areas. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec asked if he lived on a one-acre lot and had a lawnmower shop in his garage would <br />it be allowed. <br /> <br />Ms. Frolik stated that it would not be allowed because it is on lot less than three-acre in size. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec asked why a retired resident who has a hobby taking in some business doing <br />repairs from his garage could not be allowed. He commented that this may be allowed by State <br />law but without a business sign. <br /> <br />Assistant Commissioner Development Director/HRA Executive Director Frolik stated that group <br />homes and day cares are allowed. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec questioned what would be wrong with a quiet business like furniture refinishing. <br />He stated that he would not have a problem with this type of business. He explained that his <br />neighbor does some work, is helpful to the neighbors and is good for the community. He stated <br />that he felt this was a good arrangement. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen questioned if the area is not three-acres but is one acre does it impair <br />anything. He asked why it would not be a good idea if the business does not create blight, if <br />neighbors don't complain about it, if there are no chemicals used and no noise is being made. He <br />stated that sometimes people want to just earn a few extra dollars. He questioned at what point is <br />the business too large for a smaller lot. He suggested a quarter-acre lot may be too small. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that if the business does not have a sign and has a good appearance or the <br />business is screened he does not have a problem with it. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson stated that if the business IS on a half-acre and doesn't impact <br />neighborhoods she doesn't see this as a problem. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that in one area, a home business was using a lot of electricity and <br />impacting the neighborhood. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated that with the economy, people are looking to supplement their <br />income. He stated that with a three-acre minimum most people in the community would not be <br />eligible to apply. He stated that a time of incubation for a business is necessary as they start up. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / January 29, 2008 <br />Page 13 of 17 <br />