Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/01/1994

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CASE REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A HOME OCCUPATION; CASE OF ROBERT AND SUSAN BOWMAN By: Zoning Administrator Sylvia Frolik Background: Robert and Susan Bowman of 14450 Bowers Drive N.W. have applied for a conditional use permit for a home occupation. The Bowman's repair electronic automobile equipment for resale. The following items are enclosed for your information: a) b) c) d) e) f) Site location map Documentation submitted with application Letter from Robert & Mary Ullen dated January 25, 1994 Proposed findings of fact Proposed resolution for denial of request Proposed conditional use permit Observations: In accordance with the City's regulations for home occupations, the area devoted to the business shall not exceed 20% of the total floor area of the home. In the Bowman's case, they would be restricted to conducting their business in an area of 744 square feet (20% x 3718 square feet). The Bowman's have a workshop measuring 462 square feet, the attached garage for cold storage at 616 square feet, an office area of 25 square feet, and a clean up area of 15 square feet, for a total of 1,118 square feet. The amount of area devoted to the business exceeds the established limit by 50%. City Code also restricts the home occupation to one room of the principal structure. The Bowmans are devoting 3-4 areas of the house to their business. In accordance with City Code, all employees reside in the home and there is no exterior storage of business equipment and materials. However, it appears from the photos provided that the entire garage is devoted to cold storage for the business and this would restrict the amount of indoor storage that is available for storage of personal equipment and vehicles. Recommendation: In lieu of the size of the business in terms of physical area consumed and sales conducted per year, it would appear that it is time for the business to move into a commercial location and the request for a conditional use permit should be denied. The City could be of some assistance in locating an appropriate commercial space for the business. In the event the Commission chooses to recommend approval of the request, a proposed conditional use permit has been enclosed for consideration. Commission Action: Motion to: Recommend that City Council adopt Resolution//94-02- adopting Findings of Fact # relating to a request for a home occupation permit at 14450 Bowers Drive N.W.