Colfax Municipal Code Ch. 17.152 Home Occupations

The purpose of these regulations is to permit and regulate nonresidential activities to be performed within a structure in residential zones as home occupations as set forth in Chapter 17.96 (accessory uses and structures).

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A home occupation is an accessory, nonresidential business activity carried on within a dwelling by its inhabitants, incidental to the residential use of the dwelling, that does not change the character of the surrounding residential area by generating more traffic, noise, or storage of material than would normally be expected in a residential zone.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

Home occupations shall be permitted in a dwelling, so long as the maximum cumulative impact of all such businesses shall not exceed the limits set forth in this section for a single home occupation. The following uses or activities are prohibited as home occupations:

A. Kennel services. However, animal grooming and training which does not involve overnight kenneling of animals may be allowed upon review and approval of an administrative permit;

B. Any use or activity that affects the character of the surrounding residential neighborhood by generating more noise, odors, vehicles, storage, or traffic than would be normally expected in a residential zone.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

If a home occupation is not in substantial compliance with the performance standards of this chapter, the approval of an administrative permit is required. The operation of a home occupation which requires personal contact with customers at the subject site, or involves regulatory oversight and/or permits, requires approval of an administrative permit pursuant to Chapter 17.32.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)

A home occupation shall be subject to the following conditions and criteria in addition to the general development standards set forth in Articles III and IV:

A. All Activities Indoors. All home occupation activities shall occur within the dwelling or accessory structures. No home occupation activity shall occur outside at any time, nor shall any equipment or material relating to the home occupation be parked or stored outside the residence at any time. All functions of the business, except storage and inventory, shall be conducted within the dwelling.

B. Customers. Personal contact with customers at the residence is prohibited except when authorized by the approval authority through approval of an administrative permit. Home occupations involving private instruction of children under eighteen (18) will require proof of compliance with State Education Code "Safe School Program" requirements satisfactory to the city before obtaining an administrative permit. A maximum of two students, or one student and one authorized adult chaperone, is permitted for home occupations involving private instruction. All functions of the business, except storage and inventory, shall be conducted within the dwelling.

C. Deliveries. No delivery shall be by vehicles larger than an automobile, pickup, or typical delivery van.

D. Employees. A home occupation shall be operated by no more than two individuals, both of whom shall be residents of the dwelling. All functions of the business, except storage and inventory, shall be conducted within the dwelling. No other person shall operate, or perform any function of the business at the residence.

E. Flammable or Hazardous Materials. A home occupation involving the storage of flammable or hazardous materials shall not be allowed unless the fire department approves, in writing, the amount and method of such storage of materials.

F. Inspection Required. The city may, at all reasonable times during normal business hours, enter the premises for the purpose of inspecting to determine whether or not the conditions of this chapter are being complied with.

G. Maximum Area. The home occupation shall not require the use of more than 15 percent of the total floor area of the dwelling (including garage and detached accessory buildings). The home occupation shall not result in any addition to, alteration of, or exterior remodeling of, the dwelling, garage or accessory structures.

H. Merchandise for Sale. The making of merchandise for sale is permitted provided that the storage of such merchandise does not exceed total allowable area for home occupations and does not require the transporting of material or finished product by means other than an automobile, pickup or typical delivery van.

I. Parking. No home occupation shall result in the elimination of required off-street parking spaces.

J. Signs. Only one non-illuminated sign at the subject residence advertising the home occupation shall be allowed, except one vehicle used for the home occupation may also display the business name. If the property is zoned residential, the sign shall be no larger than one foot by two feet and shall be placed at the front door. A sign permit is required for any non-vehicle sign.

K. Vehicles. Not more than one vehicle specifically designated to be used for a home occupation shall be parked at the subject residence at any time. Such allowed vehicle shall not be larger than a standard pickup or delivery van. No commercial vehicles or trailers shall be parked at the residence at any time.

L. Equipment. No equipment (other than a permitted vehicle) or material relating to a home occupation shall be parked or stored outside the subject residence.

(Ord. No. 519, 8-8-2012)