Appendix 2902. Standards for home occupations.
The purpose of the home occupation regulations is to protect the character of the surrounding residential neighborhood, while recognizing that traditional workplaces are no longer necessary in all situations due to changing technology, computerization, networking, and the changing job market. These regulations are intended to recognize this trend and allow home occupations that are located and conducted in such a manner that the existence of the home occupation is not detectable outside of the dwelling unit or accessory building. The home occupation use shall be clearly subordinate and incidental to the residential use of the property.
A.
Classes of Home Occupation.
1.
Minor Home Occupations. Home occupations that have little or no impact on the surrounding residential area, such as:
a.
Personal home business and professional offices; a service-oriented business use.
b.
Home craft businesses, including (but not limited to) artists, sculptors, and dressmakers.
c.
Instructional services including music, art, dance, voice, and tutoring.
d.
Day-care for six or fewer individuals, whether for adults or children.
2.
Major Home Occupations. Home occupations that have or might have a noticeable impact on the surrounding residential area and, therefore, are permitted only by special use permit, such as:
a.
Day-care for seven or more individuals, whether adults or children.
b.
Professional services, including (but not limited to) medical, dental, or physical therapy facilities, barbers, beauticians, and photographers.
c.
Bed-and-breakfast residence.
B.
General Regulations for All Home Occupations.
1.
No more than 25 percent of the gross area of such residence may be used for the home occupation (bed-and-breakfast and day-care uses are exempt from this provision) and no more than 400 square feet of the residence may be used for the home occupation. No more than 600 square feet of either an attached garage or detached accessory building, but not both, may be used for the home occupation. Due to its nature, day-care may be conducted throughout the residence.
2.
No use shall require either internal or external alterations or involve construction features or use of electrical or mechanical equipment that would result in a lower fire rating of the structure.
3.
Except for drop-off activities, the use may increase vehicular traffic flow and parking by no more than two additional vehicles at a time.
4.
In no way shall the appearance of the structure be altered or the occupation within the residence be conducted in a manner which would cause the premises to differ from its residential character either by the use of colors, materials, construction, lighting, signs, or by the emission of sounds, noise, vibration, dust, smell, smoke, glare, electrical interference, or any other hazard or nuisance to any greater extent than experienced in an average residential neighborhood.
5.
No exterior storage, display, use, or activity of any kind related to the home occupation.
6.
There shall be no commodities sold or services rendered that require receipt or delivery of merchandise, goods, or equipment other than by passenger motor vehicle, parcel delivery service, or U.S. mail service. No deliveries by tractor/trailer trucks are permitted.
7.
Storage of combustible or flammable matter, accumulation of rubbish, wastepaper, cartons, or boxes, in excess of normal home activities is prohibited.
8.
The repair, detailing, and/or painting of automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, trailers, motorcycles and/or boats are prohibited.
C.
Specific Standards for Minor Home Occupations.
1.
Clients or customers will not be present on the site on a regularly-scheduled basis and shall not exceed ten per week, on average, except that instructional services are limited to a maximum of five students at any one time in one day.
2.
No signage identifying the minor home occupation is permitted in a residential district.
3.
Retail sales on the premises shall be prohibited, except for products or goods produced or fabricated on the premises as part of the home occupation.
4.
No minor home occupation shall have more than one employee that is not a resident of the household, except that, upon notification to the planning director or designee, there may be a second employee who does not live in the home on the site for up to 30 days a year.
D.
Specific Standards for Major Home Occupations (See Section 3320).
(Ord. of 12-19-11(6))