Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/06/2014

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The work -at-home concept could become the new normal for multiple generations. Com- munities that embrace this concept may be in a position to recruit workers and new business- es. Those choosing to work at home are not necessarily retirees, and many professionals may choose this option to avoid the commut- ing and related costs. PROTOTYPICAL UNIT The prototypical home unit would be a twin - home with all facilities and living spaces on the main floor. The office space would be devel- oped adjacent to the main front entrance. This would allow clients and employees to come and go without having to pass through other parts of the home and disrupt the family. A half -bath would be accessible from the office without going through the living unit, a conve- nience to the professional and clients. Utilities and laundry areas may also be adjacent to the office area, permitting the professional to do some home care activities without interrupt- ing the family activities or special individual needs. Garag space would have access near the office to reduce noise and activity outside Guest Bed 13'x13' Because a work -at-home village buyer would be a knowledgeable investor under- standing how the village is intended to func- tion, neighbor conflicts over business activities within the homes and at the village gathering place would be minimal. In fact, the environ- ment for the investor is more stable than in a typical residential subdivision where various ac- cessory nonresidential uses may creep into the neighborhood over time through conditional use approvals and variances, which in extreme cases can make homes harder to market and may result in a reduction of propertyvalues. While many larger apartment projects also incorporate space for home offices, these proj- ects are typically located close to downtowns or neighborhoods with easy access to services, and the office spaces in these units are usually small dens. The work -at-home village differs in that those still seeking single-family living would also be able to experience the village concept instead of a suburban subdivision with a shopping center at the edge. The village gathering place (village place) becomes the social center of the village in the same way that the clubhouse may become the center of a golf course community. Master Bed 13'x15' Attached Twin Home ® Prototypical unit: 1,6o8 square feet of living space. Great Room 19'x25' Dining/ Kitchen 10'x15' of the work space. Each garage would fit two vehicles and would only be used for parking. All corridors, doors, master baths, and other family work and living areas would be designed with dimensions meeting accessibil- ity codes, including outside entrances and patios. This would provide an interior design that would meet the needs of aging residents or others with mobility challenges without fu- ture interior modifications that would be re- quired in the typical suburban home. Egress to rear patios would be provided from bedrooms and other living areas for convenience and emergency purposes in case the front entrance is blocked. High -quality French doors serve this purpose quite well. The rear patios or decks serve the family's needs for exterior space without conflicting with office activities. Adequate soundproofing would be re- quired between twin -home units to allow for activities without interfering with the adjacent unit. Examples may include teaching music or creating crafts where high-pitched sounds may be emitted. When garages are placed between the units they serve as a buffer and there is less sound transfer. A front patio accessible from the office or front entrance would be an added amenity al- lowing visiting with clients in the outside envi- ronment as weather permits. Because a coffee break on the patio can be calming and creative, the office should include a kitchenette for bev- erage service. Certain businesses may require com- munications antennas, which would need to be discretely placed. Examples may include incorporating antennas into fireplace chimney design or landscape features. The family may have reached the time in life when a live-in caregiver is necessary. This person could be accommodated in a second bedroom with a separate bathroom. Another option would be a walk -out basement, if the site design allows it, or the attached unit could also become the caregiver's housing. If a walk- out basement is used, the enabling zoning ordinance would need to permit accessory dwelling units. If there is an outside employee or regular clients coming to the home, there may be a need for additional parking, and this should be considered both in the design of the individual unit and the work -at-home village. ZONINGPRACTICE 1.14 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION I page 4