Receive Update on Recent Trend of Home Occupation Permit Applications

The purpose of this discussion topic is simply to update the Planning Commission on a potential developing trend Staff has noticed recently regarding home occupation requests.  Over the past couple months, Staff has had at least three (3) inquiries from residents interested in starting a home based business with a focus on firearms.  Note that the inquires have not included manufacturing of ammunition but rather have had a focus on off-site firearms training, custom made firearms, and/or retail sales (online and at shows without customer visits to the property or ). 

While the City has had multiple inquires, there has only been one (1) formal submittal received and reviewed by Staff.  After consulting with both the City Attorney and the Police Chief, it was determined that the proposed home occupation did not exceed the threshold that required a permit.  It is unclear if the recent inquiries are truly a sign of a developing trend or just a coincidence that they were within months (or weeks) of one another.  Staff is not suggesting nor recommending that any revisions to the Home Occupation standards are needed; however, we did think it was worth updating the Planning Commission in case additional, similar inquires are received.

No action is needed; this is for informational purposes only.