This section shall apply to home occupations.

A business is considered a home-based business if it operates, in whole or in part, from a residential property and meets the following criteria:

(a)

The employees of the business who work at the residential dwelling must also reside in the residential dwelling, except that up to a total of two employees or independent contractors who do not reside at the residential dwelling may work at the business. The business may have additional remote employees that do not work at the residential dwelling.

(b)

Parking related to the business activities of the home-based business complies with Section 16.40.90 and the need for parking generated by the business may not be greater in volume than would normally be expected at a similar residence where no business is conducted. Vehicles and trailers used in connection with the business must be parked in legal parking spaces that are not located within the right-of-way, on or over a sidewalk, or on any unimproved surfaces at the residence.

(c)

As viewed from the street, the use of the residential property is consistent with the uses of the residential areas that surround the property. External modifications made to a residential dwelling to accommodate a home-based business must conform to the residential character and architectural aesthetics of the neighborhood. The home-based business may not conduct retail transactions at a structure other than the residential dwelling; however, incidental business uses and activities may be conducted at the residential property.

(d)

The activities of the home-based business are secondary to the property's use as a residential dwelling.

(e)

The business activities comply with any relevant state regulations with respect to signage and equipment or processes that create noise, vibration, heat, smoke, dust, glare, fumes, or noxious odors. Any local regulations on a business with respect to noise, vibration, heat, smoke, dust, glare, fumes, or noxious odors may not be more stringent than those that apply to a residence where no business is conducted.

(f)

All business activities comply with any relevant state, and federal regulations with respect to the use, storage, or disposal of any corrosive, combustible, or other hazardous or flammable materials or liquids. Any local regulations on a business with respect to the use, storage, or disposal of any corrosive, combustible, or other hazardous or flammable materials or liquids may not be more stringent than those that apply to a residence where no business is conducted.

(Code 1992, § 16.50.180.1; Ord. No. 876-G, § 25, 2-21-2008; Ord. No. 611-H, § 30, 7-10-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 611-H, § 30, adopted July 10, 2025, repealed § 16.50.180.2. Former § 16.50.180.2 pertained to purpose and intent and derived from § 16.50.180.2 of the Code of 1992 and Ord. No. 876-G, § 25, adopted February 21, 2008.

Home occupation is a business which is an accessory use to a single or multifamily dwelling unit where a residence is the principal use of the property and which has obtained a business tax receipt.

(Code 1992, § 16.50.180.3; Ord. No. 876-G, § 25, 2-21-2008)

A.

As viewed from the street, the use of the residential property is consistent with the uses of the residential areas that surround the property. External modifications made to a residential dwelling to accommodate a home-based business must conform to the residential character and architectural aesthetics of the neighborhood. The home-based business may not conduct retail transactions at a structure other than the residential dwelling; however, incidental business uses and activities may be conducted at the residential property.

B.

All business activities shall comply with any relevant local, state, and federal regulations with respect to the use, storage, or disposal of any corrosive, combustible, or other hazardous or flammable materials or liquids.

C.

Home occupations shall not be permitted to occupy or prevent access to areas of buildings necessary to provide the required number of off-street parking spaces without an approved site plan for replacement of those spaces on the property. Parking related to the business activities of the home-based business shall comply with the minimum parking requirements of this Chapter and the need for parking generated by the business may not be greater in volume than would normally be expected at a similar residence where no business is conducted. Vehicles and trailers used in connection with the business must be parked in legal parking spaces that are not located within the right-of-way, on or over a sidewalk, or on any unimproved surfaces at the residence. Vehicles and trailers, including any heavy equipment, shall comply with the restrictions for the parking of domestic and commercial equipment in residential zoning districts.

D.

Customers or clients shall be allowed to come to the property by appointment only, unless a parking plan is approved by the POD demonstrating compliance with the minimum parking requirements.

E.

Display of merchandise visible from the street shall be prohibited.

F.

Two employees that are not a residents of the dwelling unit shall be permitted to be at the property.

(Code 1992, § 16.50.180.4; Ord. No. 876-G, § 25, 2-21-2008; Ord. No. 166-H, § 28, 5-21-2015; Ord. No. 611-H, § 30, 7-10-2025)