Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/28/2021 - Work Session

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Chairperson Bauer noted that his son has a home occupation, and his vehicle is currently parked outdoors to allow space for his woodworking business. Sneior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that in that instance as long as customers do not come to the property and the sales occur online, that would be allowed. Chairperson Bauer stated that he would only require space for one vehicle. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Walker commented that he cannot fit two vehicles in his garage no matter how hard he tries, therefore he would also support only requiring space for one vehicle. Chairperson Bauer asked for clarification on the language related to the home being a secondary business location. Code Enforcement Officer Raines explained that language is meant to address the situation in which there is a primary business location, but the home address is used to store business materials. She stated that in example, sometimes construction equipment is brought to the home to be stored. Commissioner Walker asked how someone would know whether a bobcat is for personal or business use. He stated that there seems to be too much overreach as long as it is not creating a junky situation. Commissioner VanScoy stated that the concern is not related to one piece of equipment but multiple things. Code Enforcement Officer Raines explained that the language is meant to address when a home is used as a dispatch center for employees. She stated that technically the home or garage are not being used for operating the business, but the business equipment and materials are stored on the home property and dispatched for use daily. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl stated that home occupation complaints are the largest generator of complaints each month. She stated that as the cost of business and commercial space increase in cost, people are moving those operations to their home property. Commissioner Walker stated that he could support something based on lot size and the type of business. He stated that if he had two bobcats on ten acres, he did not believe that would be a problem but recognized it would be a problem to park trash trucks on an 80-foot lot. Code Enforcement Officer Raines stated that the system is complaint based, staff is not going out looking for people in violation. She stated that under the current Code, one piece of commercial equipment is allowed as long as it is properly screened. Senior Planner McGuire Brigl commented that most people with businesses are not an issue and are in contact with staff, attempting to do the right thing. She stated that this ordinance is meant Planning Commission/ October 28, 2021 Page 7 of 8