Bulletins Live ? Brunswick's home-based business ordinance heads ...

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

BRUNSWICK A zoning code amendment expected to be adopted was returned Sept. 1 to the citys planning committee for further review.

In June, the planning committee presented legislation to council giving more clarity to a section of the zoning code addressing home-based businesses.

The legislation would not affect businesses operating out of a residence if the property is in a commercially zoned district. Should the legislation be adopted as currently written, however, a home-based business located in a residential area that has customers coming and going would not be permitted.

While stopping short of calling the ordinance bad legislation, Ward 3 Councilman Joe Delsanter implored his fellow council members to remove it from the Sept. 12 committee of the whole agenda.

I didnt have good feelings about it in the beginning, I felt it was interfering in small businesses that incubate in homes and lead to jobs, Delsanter said at the Sept. 1 planning and zoning committee meeting. I know that for clerical reasons we need to clarify home occupations and home businesses but this could be giving the perception that the city is being anti-business.

At-large Councilwoman Patricia Hanek, however, said the rationale behind amending the ordinance was more than simply a matter of clarification.

The planning commission tells people when they apply for a permit that no customers are allowed to come to the home, she said. But the code doesnt clarify if, so this gives them some teeth.

She added that the amendment coincides with the zoning requirement that all conditionally zoned uses be harmonious with the neighborhood.

So if you have a business in a residential area, you are the exception, Hanek said. So are we now going to go with you can put anything anywhere? Im just playing devils advocate.

At-large Councilman Ron Falconi said such differing views among planning committee members was the reason the ordinance should be pulled from the committee of the whole agenda.

Contact Lisik at (216) 986-2356

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