Chapter 19.20 — HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS

The following provisions are intended to permit limited business activities in residential zoning districts as defined in Chapter 19.42 and the OR (Office Residential) and OC (Office Commercial) zoning districts as defined in Chapter 19.44, or in dwelling units located on projects assigned with the NE and NG TND designations when conducted by the occupants of a dwelling, in a manner accessory to and compatible with the residential characteristics of the surrounding neighborhood.

(Ord. 2185, Ord. 2358 §7)(Ord. 2435 §19)

A. Home Occupation Permit Required. A home occupation permit shall be obtained prior to the establishment or operation of any of the activities listed in Section 19.20.030 (Allowable Home Occupations). The activities regulated by this chapter shall not include those that solely involve the use of a desk, personal computer, and/or telephone, which are considered permitted uses in all residential zoning districts.

B. Business License Required. In addition to securing a home occupation permit from the Director, a business license shall be obtained and posted, in compliance with Chapter 3.32 (Business License Law) of the Municipal Code. A statement of compliance with the operating standards contained in Section 19.20.060 (Operating Standards) shall be signed prior to issuance of the business license.

(Ord. 2185)

Allowable home occupations shall include the following activities:

• A. Art, music, and similar lessons;

• B. Art work;

• C. Artist's and sculptor's studio activities;

• D. Dressmaking;

• E. Millinery;

• F. Sewing;

• G. Small handicraft;

H. Professional offices for an architect, attorney, counselor, insurance agent, musician, planner, technical advisor,

tutor, or writer; and

I. Any other use of the same general character as those listed above.

(Ord. 2185)

An application for a home occupation permit shall include all information specified in the Department handout for home occupation permits.

• (Ord. 2185)

The Director shall review and act upon a home occupation permit application after all required information has been submitted. Since the permit is nondiscretionary, no formal public notice is required. In reviewing the application, the Director shall determine if the proposal is in compliance with the standards and criteria listed in Section 19.20.060 (Operating standards).

(Ord. 2185)

Home occupations shall comply with all of the following operating standards:

A. The location of the home occupation is the principal residence of the applicant and is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the property for residential purposes;

• B. No major structural changes are proposed which would significantly alter the character of the residence, or change its occupancy classification, in compliance with the Uniform Building Code;

C. Signage in residential zoning districts is limited to only one non-illuminated name plate not exceeding 1 square foot in area, approved by the Director. Signage on property subject to the TND designations of NE or NC shall comply with Chapter 19.92. There shall be no display of merchandise or stock in trade or other identification of the home occupation activity on the premises;

D. The proposed home occupation shall not create levels of new glare and light inconsistent with existing amounts of glare and light within the surrounding neighborhood;

• E. The proposed home occupation shall not adversely increase noise levels beyond permissible residential noise levels within the surrounding neighborhood;

F. The proposed home occupation shall not generate electrical interference, dust, heat, odor, solid waste, vibration, or other characteristics in excess of that customarily associated with similar residential uses in the surrounding neighborhood;

• G. Employment shall be limited to persons residing on the premises, and one additional person;

• H. The total floor area used for the home occupation, including any area within accessory structures, shall not exceed 50 percent of the net floor area of the dwelling unit, or 400 square feet, whichever is less;

• I. No equipment, materials, or products associated with the use shall be stored or displayed where visible from off the premises;

J. The proposed home occupation shall not involve the storage or use of explosive, flammable, or toxic materials, specifically defined as hazardous materials;

K. Any proposed home occupation affording access by use of a private road easement shall be conducted in a manner that shall not overburden the vehicular use of the private road easement;

L. The home occupation activity shall not generate more than 10 additional pedestrian or vehicular trips in excess of that customarily associated with the zoning district in which it is to be located, and no more than 2 deliveries each day. Any traffic generated by the home occupation shall be consistent with the existing traffic levels and patterns of the surrounding residential neighborhood;

M. No customers or clients shall be allowed to patronize the home occupation business between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., except for large family day care homes (see Section 19.76.060, Large family day care homes); and

• N. One service or company vehicle associated with the home occupation can be stored on the premises. (Ord. 2185, Ord. 2358 §8, Ord. 2519 §11)

19.20.070 Home occupations not meeting operating standards.

An applicant for a proposed home occupation which the Director believes does not meet the operating standards of this chapter may apply for an administrative use permit in compliance with Chapter 19.25 of these Regulations. (Ord. 2185, Ord. 2519 §12)

Changes to a home occupation permit may be approved in compliance with Section 19.30.060 (Changes to an approved project).

(Ord. 2185)