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