At the March 21 Planning & Zoning meeting, the commission began preliminary discussions to update Section 4.2.9 of the city’s Integrated Development Code (IDC) as it pertains to home businesses and airbnb type rentals

One of the issues is whether the city should get involved in permitting home businesses. Currently there is no process for permits which has caused a problem for a particular resident in the city who is required (by a federal agency) to have a permit for his business.

As currently written, city attorney Bill Ferebee said IDC Section 4.2.9 is kind of a “mish mash, and it’s hard to determine what is allowed and what isn’t.” Ferebee provided a document to P&Z members which reflected the types of businesses other cities regulated.

Some of the types of businesses that were mentioned during the discussion included barber shops, sales of baked goods, tutoring and music lessons. The commission discussed the need to consider whether a home business would involve regular deliveries or several cars being parked near the home and the potential hazards that might create.

The commission noted that although the IDC does not allow for airbnb type short term rentals, the city is aware that such rentals are listed from time to time.

The next P&Z meeting will be on April 18 at 6 pm, at city hall and is open to the public. Citizens are invited to speak for three minutes at the beginning of each meeting, and the agenda is published on the city’s website a few days prior to the meeting.

*The IDC currently refers to “Home Occupation” but that term could be revised to “Home Business” based on comments made at the meeting.