Home occupations are permitted as an accessory use to a residential use in any district subject to the requirements of this section.
(A) Restrictions and limitations.
(1) Home occupations shall be operated entirely within the principal residential dwelling and/or accessory buildings and shall not occupy more than 25% of the total floor area including basement or finished attic spaces, with the use of the dwelling for a home occupation being clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes by its occupants.
(2) The appearance of the dwelling shall not be altered in a manner which would cause the premises to differ from its residential character either by the use of colors, materials, construction, lighting, or the emission of sounds, noises, or vibrations, except that one non-illuminated sign not greater than one square foot in area may be affixed to the dwelling in which the home occupation is located.
(3) Home occupations shall be conducted by only the residents of the dwelling unit and not more than one nonresident of the dwelling unit.
(4) No outdoor storage of materials or equipment used in the home occupation shall be permitted.
(5) No storage or display of materials, goods, supplies, or equipment related to the operation of a home occupation shall be visible from the outside of the residence.
(6) No equipment shall be utilized that creates a nuisance due to odor, vibration, or noise.
(B) Examples of uses that frequently qualify as home occupations. The following are typical examples of uses which often can be conducted within the limits established herein and thereby qualify as home occupations. Uses which qualify as home occupations are not limited to those named below, nor does this listing automatically qualify it as a home occupation:
(1) Artists, sculptors and authors or composers;
(2) Dressmakers, seamstresses, tailors;
(3) Home crafts, such as model making, rug weaving, and lapidary work;
(4) Ministers, rabbis, priests;
(5) Music and dance teachers, provided that instructions shall be limited to one pupil at a time, except for occasional groups (see division (C)(1) below);
(6) Office facilities for architects, engineers, lawyers, Realtors, insurance agents, brokers, and members of similar professions;
(7) Office facilities for sales representatives or manufacturers’ representatives, when no sales are made or transacted on the premises (other than by telecommunications);
(8) Office facilities for contractors, cleaning services, landscapes, and other similar enterprises; and
(9) Psychologists, counselors, and social workers, provided that the conduct of services be limited to one client at a time, except for occasional groups (see § 154.059(C)(1)).
(C) Prohibited home occupations. The following uses by their nature have a tendency, once started, to increase beyond the limits permitted for home occupations and thereby impair the use and value of a residentially zoned area. Therefore, the uses specified herein (other than personal) shall not be permitted as home occupation:
(1) Any home occupation that involves periodic group meetings/sessions more than four times during any consecutive 12-month period;
(2) Any home occupation that involves the congregation of two or more nonresident employees, clients, subcontractors, or other persons engaging in business activity at a dwelling unit;
(3) Dancing schools;
(4) Medical or dental offices or clinics, including chiropractors, veterinarians, podiatrists, and similar professions;
(5) Motor vehicle repair or service;
(6) Painting of vehicles or large household appliances;
(7) Tourist home, including bed and breakfast; and
(8) Home occupations which negatively impacts the residential character of the neighborhood.
(Ord. 834, passed 2-1-2001)