PUBLIC HEARING: Consider Resolution #20-283 Approving a Home Occupation Permit for Twin Cities Generator at 17040 Baugh St NW (Project No. 20-132); Case of Twin Cities Generator

The purpose of this case is to review a Home Occupation Permit request from Jesse Larson (the "Applicant") for operating his business, Twin Cities Generator (the "Business"), at 17040 Baugh Street NW (the "Subject Property"). His business operations involve the repair, installation, rental, and sales of generators for residential and commercial uses. The Applicant would be purchasing the new property and building a new, detached garage on the Subject Property to entirely house the business use after outgrowing his current residential property. The City Code does not allow a detached structure to be used entirely for business purpose without a Home Occupation Permit.

The City attempted to notify Property Owners, as reflected in the Anoka County Property Records, within 350 feet of the Subject Property of the request.

Summary
Jesse Larson (the "Applicant") of Twin Cities Generator (the "Business"), is moving forward with purchasing the home at 17040 Baugh St NW and contacted the City about the possibility of extending his home-based business. Mr. Larson is seeking a recommendation to approve a Home Occupation Permit for his business which involves repair, installation, rental, and sale of generators. This began as a code enforcement issue for off-street parking regulations and exterior evidence of a home-based business without a permit at his current home of 7230 152nd Ave NW. The Applicant is now seeking to purchase a new property and build a detached structure to house all business items onsite, except one automobile.

Site Information
The Subject Property is approximately 1.6 acres in size, zoned R-1 Rural Developing Residential Zoning District. The current owner has signed off on the Applicant's application, as he is not the current owner of the property. He will be purchasing the property and home, then constructing a separate garage near the back property line where he will continue business practices. The proposed location of the second garage is near the southwest corner of the property. The Applicant has proposed a 2,400 square foot secondary garage  (maximum size allowed) for his business, with a class V gravel driveway leading to the building. The garage, Home Occupation, and driveway will all require approved permits before installation. There is a large layer of vegetative screening along the south property line, separating 17040 and 17030 Baugh St NW (Birchem Sanitation). The Applicant has noted the second proposed building and all aspects of the business and property would be managed and maintained by the owner.

Current Regulations
In his questionnaire, the Applicant the Business as a generator dealer and electrical contractor, with occasional transportation of generator and generator parts for repairs. Most business is conducted in a home office. Approximately two (2) vehicle trips are made daily for business operations, and there are not any additional employees for the Business. At his current address, generator parts and equipment are stored in the garage connected to the home, but they will be moved to the accessory structure once construction is completed.

The Business does not meet the vehicle and signage regulations of the Home Occupation section of City Code that is allowed to be approved by City Staff administratively. The Applicant currently has two commercial vans dedicated to business practices, as well as three signs exceeding the allowed number and size of signage. City Staff is not supportive of both vans being stored outside, nor more than one sign exceeding two (2) square feet. Photos are attached to this case to show current business operations including storage, signage, and vehicles. This proposal requires a Home Occupation Permit approved by City Council due to the extent of business use onsite.

Staff is generally supportive of the proposal, as it is just storage onsite and the building should be large enough to store all items inside and contain the operation. Staff will include specific conditions related to outdoor storage in the permit to ensure that the use remains contained onsite and in compliance with City Code. These types of permits are able to be revoked if the Applicant was not in compliance with the conditions listed on the permit. These types of permits run with the owner, and not the land, so future homeowners would not be able to use the garage for business use without getting their own permit.

Code Sections

• R-1 Section of Code, Chapter 117-111
• Home Occupation Section of Code, Chapter 117-351
• Public Nuisances Section of Code, Chapter 30-3

All costs associated with this request are the responsibility of the Applicant.

Staff recommends approving Resolution #20-283 granting a Home Occupation Permit on the Subject Property.

Motion to recommend City Council adopt Resolution #20-283 approving a Home Occupation Permit on the Subject Property.