Chapter 17.59
HOME OCCUPATIONS
Sections:
17.59.015 Application for home occupation uses and appeals.
17.59.030 Advertising and appearance restricted.
17.59.040 Traffic and parking restricted.
17.59.050 Prohibited occupations.
17.59.070 Revocation of permit.
17.59.005 Purpose.
Home occupations provide residents with the option to use their residence for small-scale business activities while guaranteeing all residents freedom from excessive noise, traffic, nuisance, fire hazard, and other possible effects of commercial uses in residential neighborhoods. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024).
17.59.010 Applicability.
This chapter applies to any endeavor conducted for financial gain or profit in a dwelling unit where the endeavor is not generally characteristic of activities for which dwelling units are intended or designed; provided, that endeavors where the only activities include the receipt of mail, the use of a telephone, the occasional commercial delivery of goods and materials not inconsistent with such vehicular traffic in residential neighborhoods, are not considered home occupations subject to permitting requirements under this title. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024; Ord. 948 § 2, 1995).
17.59.012 Requirements.
A home occupation:
(1) Must be carried on entirely within a residence or accessory structures by the occupants. No person other than members of the family residing on the premises shall be engaged in the business.
(2) Must be clearly incidental to the use of the residence as a dwelling.
(3) Must not change the residential character of the dwelling, except that one sign may be allowed per Section 17.59.050.
(4) Must be conducted in such a manner as to not give any outward appearance nor manifest any characteristic of a business in the ordinary meaning of the term, including no outdoor storage related to the business.
(5) Must not infringe upon the right of the neighboring residents to enjoy a peaceful occupancy of their homes for which purpose the residential zone was created and primarily intended.
(6) Must not use any equipment or process which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the lot. In the case of electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises, or causes fluctuations in line voltage off the premises.
(7) Must allow only one customer appointment at a time.
(8) May not include parking or storage of construction equipment or large vehicles.
A business which does not meet these requirements or which is incapable of or does not comply with the general requirements of this title shall not be approved as a home occupation. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024).
17.59.015 Application for home occupation uses and appeals.
A business license shall be required for all home occupations. All businesses operating on residential properties in residential zones must comply with the home occupation requirements. An application for a home occupation use shall be submitted to the clerk’s department for consideration. Such uses may be permitted by the individual(s) designated to review the applications subject to the provisions of this chapter. Conditions may be placed to ensure compliance with the requirements and intent of the home occupation regulations. Any party aggrieved by a decision rendered by the individual(s) reviewing the application may appeal the decision to the hearing examiner, subject to the provisions of Chapter 19.11, Appeals. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024; Ord. 1546 § 6, 2020: Ord. 1066 § 1, 2000: Ord. 948 § 2, 1995).
17.59.020 Inspections.
Any home occupation authorized under this code shall be open to inspection, with forty-eight hours’ notice, and review at all reasonable times by an authorized city official for purposes of verifying compliance with the approval criteria and other code provisions. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024).
17.59.030 Advertising and appearance restricted.
There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of such home occupation other than one sign, not exceeding one square foot in area, nonilluminated, and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024; Ord. 948 § 2, 1995. Formerly 17.59.050).
17.59.040 Traffic and parking restricted.
No traffic shall be generated by such home occupation in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood, and any need for parking generated by the conduct of such home occupation shall be met off the street and other than in a required front yard. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024; Ord. 948 § 2, 1995. Formerly 17.59.080).
17.59.050 Prohibited occupations.
Prohibited home occupations include but are not limited to the following:
(1) Retail sales;
(2) Kennels;
(3) Stables;
(4) Animal hospitals;
(5) Real estate offices;
(6) Restaurants;
(7) Vehicle repair, painting, servicing and renting;
(8) Welding and metal work;
(9) Cabinet, carpentry, and paint shops;
(10) Mortuaries;
(11) Private or nursery schools;
(12) Private clubs. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024; Ord. 948 § 2, 1995. Formerly 17.59.100).
17.59.060 Enforcement.
Upon determination that there has been a violation of any provision of this chapter, the city may pursue code enforcement in accordance with Chapter 1.20. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024).
17.59.070 Revocation of permit.
The home occupation must continue to meet the criteria and conditions of this chapter, including any additional conditions specified at the time of approval. A home occupation permit may be revoked if the city clerk finds that the home occupation is not being conducted in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Such decision is final unless appealed pursuant to Chapter 19.11. (Ord. 1617 § 1, 2024).