Agenda - Planning Commission - 06/07/2018

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To: Tim Gladhill, Community Development Director From: PeggySue Imihy, Planning Intern Re: Home Occupations Ordinance Date: 05-08-18 City of V7-: RAMSEY Under staff direction from the City Council, a review and comparison of neighboring towns and their ordinances for home occupations, also known as home based businesses has been completed. This review specifically examines the number of employees, allowable outdoor storage and number of allowable vehicles on the property. The current City of Ramsey Home Occupation Ordinance (Section 112-351) classifies employees as persons, including but is not limited to co -owners, partners, and employees, which do not live in the dwelling unit on the property but conduct work on the property. The owner of a home occupation on a parcel less than three acres in size may employ a maximum of one person that does not reside in the dwelling unit on the property but does conduct work on the property. The owner of a home occupation on a parcel three acres or greater in size may employ a maximum of three persons that do not reside in the dwelling unit on the property but do conduct work on the property. In terms of an accessory building within which the business can operate, home occupations are allowed in accessory buildings if the buildings meet the requirements of Section 117-349. Exterior storage is not allowed with the exception of one motor vehicle affiliated with the home occupation and one piece of commercial equipment affiliated with the home occupation, per Section 117-355. In situations where those operating a home occupation cannot meet the requirements of Section 117- 351, residents can apply for a conditional use permit in accordance with Section 117-51. Several neighboring cities have ordinances restricting the number of employees who are allowed to work in a home occupation, as well as restrictions on exterior storage and accessory building use. Of the nine comparison cities, most cities have more restrictive regulations on number of employees. Seven of the nine cities do not allow exterior/outdoor storage for home occupations. The City of Dayton allows outdoor storage if the home occupation is on a lot larger than 2.5 acres and if the storage is screened from right-of-way. The City of Andover has industry -specific limitations for outdoor storage, but requires lots must be larger than 3 acres, with accessory building or outdoor storage not to exceed 800 square feet. Staff recommends a revisiting of the Home Occupation Ordinance to better align with neighboring communities, as well as preserve the residential characteristics of Ramsey neighborhoods.