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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-14 work sessionCITY OF LAKEVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES June 5, 2014 Chair Lillehei called the work session to order at 6:12 p.m. Members Present: Chair Brooks Lillehei, Vice Chair Bob Boerschel, Linda Maguire, Paul Reuvers, Jason Swenson, and ex -officio Officer Nic Stevens Members Absent: None Staff Present: Planning Director Daryl Morey and Associate Planner Frank Dempsey Others Present: Patricia May, 17870 Irons Court Home Occupation Employment Provisions Associate Planner Frank Dempsey provided background on Ms. May's home occupation and the requirements of Chapter 32 of the Zoning Ordinance. He stated that only persons who reside on the premises can be employed in the home occupation. He stated there are three persons employed in Ms. May's home occupation that do not live in her home. Ms. May described her home based business. She stated that Tembua provides worldwide translation and interpreting services in over 100 languages. She has operated the business from her home since 1994. As her business grew, she first had her daughter start working with her. After checking with someone at the City 11 years ago, she hired her first outside employee, a friend of hers. She now has five employees, including her husband. Three of her employees do not live in her home but do work there. Planning Commission questions/comments: • Has staff researched other cities' home occupation regulations to determine if they allow employees who do not reside in the home? Staff has not researched other cities' ordinances but Mr. Dempsey indicated that staff was made aware by Ms. May's research that there are some cities that allow one outside employee. • What is Ms. May's timetable for moving her business out of her home? Ms. May responded that she would like to continue operating her business out of her home and that she is planning to retire in 5-8 years. Planning Commission Work Session Minutes - June 5, 2014 Page 2 • Has Ms. May considered Option 1 listed in Mr. Dempsey's May 30, 2014 memo whereby her employees would telecommute from their own homes? Ms. May responded that she has not fully explored this option. • Has Ms. May had to alter the space in her home to accommodate her home business? Ms. May responded that she has not. • Are there fire safety or occupancy codes related to this number of employees that could work in a single family home? Mr. Morey responded that he would check with the Building Official. • Concern was expressed that the compliance issue was brought to Ms. May's attention two years ago but the home based business continues to operate in violation of the Zoning Ordinance. Two commissioners expressed support for allowing one outside employee that does not live in the home but expressed concern for allowing more than one because it becomes a slippery slope. The other three commissioners expressed support for the current ordinance requirements and would not support an amendment to allow outside employees. The work session adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Daryl Mo' -y, Planni ��irector Brooks Lillehei, Chair