Agenda - Council - 02/22/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REQUEST FOR CASE # 4 A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A HOME OCCUPATION; CASE OF ROBERT AND SUSAN BOWMAN By: Zoning Administrator Sylvia.Frolik Background: Robert and Sus4tn Bowman of 14450 Bow, ers Drive N.W. have applied, for a conditional use permit for a hom? occupation. The Bowman s repair electronic automobile equipment for resale. The following it{ms are enclosed for your information: a) b) c) d) e) site location map D~umentafion submitted w/th application L~tters from area residents opposing the request Planning Commission public hearing and regular meeting minutes dated 2/1/94 P~oposed findings of fact l>~oposed resolution for denial of request Observations: By City Code regulations, home occupations are restricted to no more than one room of the home and no more thar[ 20% of the total floor area of the home. In the Bowman's case, they would 'be restricted to cond_~cfing their business in an area of 744 square feet (20% x 3718 square feet). The Bowman's have ~ workshop measuring 462 square feet, they use a portion of their garage for cold storage, and a ve~ small area of the lower level of the home for clean up and office work. The Bowmans have slated that they can rework their operation to comply with the 20% area and one room resrrictions.~ However, they also agree that the business is rapidly outgrowing what they can accommodate in their home within the criteria established by City Code. In accordance with City Code, all employees must reside in the home. From letters received and testimony given ~t the public hearing, it would appear that the Bowmans have hired employees from time to time Ithat do not reside in the home. The Planning Cc/remission conducted a public heating on February 1 and there were several written and verba~ comments submitted in opposition of the request for a conditional use permit. Mr. Bowman hastbeen conducting the business in his home for 3-4 years and the neighbors feel that it has grown ~ a point where it would be more appropriately located in a commercial district. The neighbors al~ expressed their hope that Mr. Bowman would base his business in Ramsey's commercial area 8nd that City Council would give him a reasonable amount of time to relocate the business. RecommendatitJn: The Planning CorOm/ssion and City Staff recommend denial of.the request for a home occupation. City Staff is recommending that Mr. Bowman be given until December 31, 1994 to bring his property into coml~liance with City Code and cease all commercial activity at 14450 Bowers Drive N.W.