Agenda - Planning Commission - 04/03/2008

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Mayor Gamec stated that in one area, a home business was using a lot of electricity and impacting the neighborhood. Councilmember Look stated that with the economy~ people are looking to supplement their income. He stated that with a three-acre minimum most people in the community would not be eligible to apply. He stated that a time of incubation for a business is necessary as they start up. He stated that if gross sales are a half million dollars and if $150,000 is made and expenses deducted there is about $50,000 left after taxes. He asked if a business owner would want to take the risk for this small amount. He suggested that most businesses start out much smaller and cannot afford rent and startup costs of a separate location. He explained that if the business is shoehorned in and they can move to an incubator type of location they could eventually perhaps build in the City. He questioned how a business could grow and . expand if their startup is not supported in the community. He explained that the County offers an environmental assessment for free and would be available to look at a business to determine risk to the neighborhood or the business owner which would help in the decision making process. He explained for a quarter- 'acre lot a piece of furniture a month would likely be workable but an acre may be a good size. He suggested the three-acres is very limiting. Mayor Gamec stated that they looked at housing horses as an example. He explained that a property owner of a smaller lot could be better at doing upkeep to the property than the owner of a larger lot. They explained that the size of the lot does not matter if it is well maintained. Councilmember Dehen asked what the risk is to the City if the acreage is smaller. Ms. Frolik stated this is her question to the Commission. She stated they would like to review combustion and fire for safety but if a home occupation permit applies it could be done on a case by case basis. She recommends some parameters on smaller lots, like 1/3 of an acre, so that storage is not done in the yard. Councilmember Dehen stated he likes the idea of one-acre. Mayor Gamec stated he had a business from his home that was successful. Councilmember Jeffrey stated that a small business could operate from a residence without anyone being aware of it. Mayor Gamec stated that the garage cannot be completely used resulting in cars being parked outside along with other belongings. He explained that the lot has to remain maintained. City Administrator Ulrich explained that if a business is in operation the parking space in the garage should be maintained. Councilmember Look stated that a small business owner he knows used a small garage to sell a successful product. He stated that his business was private and not disruptive to the neighbors. He explained that his product was picked up by UPS. 100