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• MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION <br />TOPIC. HOME OCCUPATIONS <br />HELD JUNE 4,1997 <br />Stoddard stated that he would like to encourage home businesses if they do not detract from the <br />community. With the present growth of economy and increased technology, home business should <br />not be prohibited. Some issues such as size might have to be grandfathered. <br />Smith liked Wayzata's purpose statement which states to maintain the character, integrity of <br />residential and provide a means of establishment of specific standards of procedure by which home <br />occupation can be conducted in residential neighborhoods without jeopardizing the health, safety <br />and general welfare of the neighborhood. <br />Schroeder asked when Orono's ordinance was written and some of its history. <br />Gaffron said it went back to 1975 or earlier. <br />Schroeder noted that since that time Orono has 15 -20 licensed home occupations. <br />Van Zomeren stated there are approximately 10 licensed home occupations but many people are <br />probably working out of their homes without a license. One issue to be addressed is whether storage <br />or an office should be allowed in an accessory structure. A recent problem occurred between a <br />• location photographer and his neighbor regarding maintenance of a shared driveway. The neighbor <br />objected to the heavy use of the driveway by trucks delivering to the photographer. With more <br />things happening involving home occupation licensing, the standards need to be clarified. <br />McMillan noted the varied home occupations and feels changes should be made to simplify staff s <br />involvement of the process and enforcement controls. It is important for neighborhoods to have <br />some enforcement as well. Licensing should be more accountable. <br />Van Zomeren explained home occupation licensing is not for people coming into the home to <br />provide services such as nanny, accountant, cook or maid. Should business partners coming into the <br />home for meetings be considered employees? Can residents have employees? Can anything other <br />than the principal residence be used for business purposes? <br />Smith felt it important to identify what issues need to be controlled. <br />Hawn felt it appropriate to preserve the ability of the City to conduct inspections and maintain the <br />power to deal with problems. Easily definable regulations need to be developed. This would help <br />neighbors know their rights if they feel impacted by home licensing problems. Enforcement could <br />be made simpler. <br />• Van Zomeren stated she is uncomfortable regulating people to work in their homes. <br />2 <br />