An application to run a home-based business was reviewed by Weyburn City Council at last night’s meeting. Council approved the application with the conditions recommended by staff.
Councillor Ryan Janke explains that while most of these applications are approved, it’s important that due process is followed.
“In order to get a home-based business license, you have to go through this process if it's deemed controversial, and most are if they direct traffic. It has to come to Council, and that's just to make sure that there's a public review done. It's very rare that one comes to Council and then doesn't get approved, but it's to make sure the process is as transparent as possible.”
The business is considered a controversial use of the property as clients would be directed to the home throughout their opening hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Sunday. Minimal traffic is expected, with one vehicle per appointment and driveway parking available.
The zoning bylaw in the area requires controversial home-based businesses to go through the neighbourhood notice process and receive Council approval. Notices were sent to applicable residences on June 10th and no concerns or complaints were received.
Other requirements of the zoning bylaw include that the business must be incidental to the use of the premise as a residence, be compatible with residential uses, be limited in the volume of materials sold and number of clients, not substantially increase the volume of traffic; and not detract from the residential character of the area.
The business was determined to meet these requirements by administration who advised council to approve the application. However, conditions were attached relating to the businesses controversial aspects.
These conditions require that no one other than a resident of the home can be employed or volunteer at the business, no advertisement with the address of the home can be placed in any media, the business space cannot occupy more than 25 percent of the dwelling, and any signs for the business on the site cannot exceed a certain size and be placed on the inside half of the front yard.