re request for home ocupation license fee refund - 2005

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� .�Mess�ge Page 2 of 3 From: Cordes, Tracy [mailto:Tracy_Cordes@medco.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 09, 2005 11:16 AM To: Melanie Curtis Cc: Mike Gaffron; 'Jeff Cordes' Subject: RE: Home Occupation License Application/hearing for Jeff and Tra cy Cordes at 830 Forest Arms Lane (city code 78-1376) Importance: High August 9, 2005 RE: Home Occupation License Application/hearing for Jeff and Tracy Cordes at 830 Forest Arms Lane (city code 78-1376) Melanie/Mike, In follow up to last night's hearing, we would like to clarify several points with you. We walked away last night with the understanding that we had been instructed by Mayor Peterson and the rest of the city council members to"work with staff' to come up with an agreement as far as what equipment storage is/will be considered reasonable going forward. Our main concern is that, according to statements made by the both of you, there are no clear outlines in the city codes that easily decipher what equipment should be allowed to be stored in our accessory structure (garage), what is prohibited, and when the equipment can be stored (when business is dormant/what time of year). Due to the lack of detail in the current code, we have laid out a few requests below. One of our main concerns is that some of our equipment is used for both personal and business use and having to store it off site will create an unjust hardship on us as we will then have to transport the equipment back and forth in order to use it for personal use on a weekly basis. Secondly, we want to ensure that we are considered to be in compliance so that we do not end up back at council chambers because a neighbor called in a complaint because we are using a power sprayer, etc in our yard. In order for us to completely comply with the councils decision, we need/request your help in clarifying the following items for us... 1). Our take-away was that we meet all performance standards within sec 78-1376; except for#d-5 given our home is located in LR-1 B zoning district which does not allow for home occupations or storage associated with the home occupation to be conducted within accessory structures, as is allowed in zone s RR-1A and RR-1 B, thus our home occupation was deemed prohibited. P/ease confirm that our understanding, as stated here, is complete and accurate. • Where does zone LR-16 begin/end in relation to zones RR-1A & 1B? What do these zones stand for? 2). Is there any sort of appeal process that we can consider? Any variances/exception clauses that may apply (ie: any way we can arrange to store our equipment in our accessory building in the off-season while the business is dormant)? Due to the lack of detail in the current code, as well as the directive from city council to work with you to come up with a storage solution, we request to be allowed to use/store our equipment in the fol/owing manner: • We are allowed to store our Bobcat on site during the winter months (to plow our own driveway; which was why we originally purchased the Bobcat). • We are allowed to store (year-round) our mower/trailer, leaf blower, power sprayer, and wood chipper on site for personal use. This equipment to be taken off site (if necessary) for business use. • We agree to find alternative storage for our dump trailer and the Bobcat (business season only). 3). Will our$100 licensing fee be returned to us? Once again, we are eager to comply, but feel as though we need to have a complete and accurate understanding of what is required before we can begin making alternative arrangements. We plan to move forward depending on your response so a thorough and timely response (in writing by 8/15/05) is 8/16/2005