Agenda - Council - 05/13/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ADOPT ORDINANCE TO AMEND REGULATIONS REGARDING SECTION 9.11.04 (HOME OCCUPATIONS) OF THE CITY CODE; CASE OF CITY OF RAMSEY By Sylvia Frolik, Assistant Community Development Director Background: At a City Council Work Session on January 29, 2008, the City Council reviewed current regulations for Home Occupations. Following a lengthy discussion, City Staff was directed to draft an ordinance to amend the Home Occupation regulations. The intent of the amendment is to support business growth and expansion by relaxing the regulations and simplifying the permitting process to allow for business start ups in homes. Attachments: a) ` Draft City Council minutes dated April 22, 2008 b) Proposed Ordinance Observations: Per Council's direction on April 22, 2008, City Staff made the following amendments to the draft ordinance: 1. Retain the current code language that exempts low-profile home businesses, operated by only the residents of the home, from the permit requirements. 2. Adjust the number of non- resident employees allowed to 1 non - resident employee on less than 3 acres and a maximum of 3 non - resident employees on parcels 3 acres or greater in size. 3. Clarify the difference between a low profile business that is exempt from permit requirements and a home business that does require a permit, either from City Staff or City Council. The threshold for needing a permit issued administratively by City Staff is established within the home occupation parameters. Basically, a home business is required to obtain an administrative home occupation permit if any one of the following operating methods are present Employing persons that do not live on the property. Transactions and business conducted with the public (customers, clients, contractors, consultants, etc.) on site. Retail sales activity (restricted to sales ancillary to the home occupation).