Home businesses might see stricter regulation

By Ken Leiviska
Times-Press

REEDSBURG — Four public hearings were scheduled for Nov. 24 by the Reedsburg Common Council. They include a zoning change at 710 Webb St.; a property annexation; amendments to building, electrical and plumbing codes; and an amendment to regulations for home-based businesses.

The home-based business amendment recognizes the need for citizens to use their residence for business activities, but also attempts to protect surrounding properties from adverse or negative impacts created by these activities.

All home businesses that need an additional on-site, non-resident employee, additional parking, commercial deliveries or any other commercial-related activity will require Conditional Use Permits. This permit must be approved by the Plan Commission. The application to earn a permit includes the type of business and its activities, the number of employees, how many vehicles are used, the number of expected customers per day and the number of deliveries/drop-offs per day.

The amendment breaks down seven non-inclusive common home businesses. The list includes home offices (including architects, doctors and contractors), home studios (including artists and authors), personal services (including barber shops), instructional services (including music and dance classes), repair services (including small appliances and computers), workrooms (including weaving and woodworking) and day care homes with more than eight children.

Businesses must follow a list of seven standards issued by the amendment. Some of them include the following:

• Delivery vehicles are limited to passenger vehicles, mail carriers and express carriers;

• Non-resident employees are limited to one at any one time, but the Plan Commission may allow one additional employee for day care homes if so desired;

• Home occupations shall not create traffic, visible displays, vibrations, heat, noise, odors, dust, glare or other similar nuisances not normally found in the surrounding area.

All residents are welcome to attend the council meeting Nov. 24 to express their views on the amendment.