OGDEN -- The Weber County Commission is updating the home-occupation ordinance to clarify the code.
Rob Scott, the county's planning division director, recently presented the commission with sections of the ordinance that need to be better defined.
The purpose is to allow people to operate businesses from their homes but not infringe on other residents.
Scott presented several situations to clarify so home-based businesses may better comply with county regulations.
Because these businesses are in a residential zone, not a commercial zone, they may pose neighborhood problems.
Scott said issues are: whether two nonresident employees should be allowed in home occupations; on-site sale and production of merchandise; and what personal services should be allowed.
At present, a home-based business is allowed up to two employees, which usually involves additional vehicles at the home plus clients' vehicles.
That poses a safety issue to those walking or playing nearby. If more than two employees were allowed, the risks would become much greater.
Scott also said that, for obvious reasons, the health department has a hard time regulating health concerns in home businesses. Occupations such as nail salons, tattoo parlors, tanning salons and massage therapy parlors all have health concerns because there is the potential for contamination among residents and clients.
"I am for home businesses that could grow beyond the home and stay in our county," Chairwoman Jan Zogmeister said, adding she doesn't want to restrict home businesses too much. "But if we move ahead with this, I would want something put in the ordinance about lot size and the ability to handle parking."
She also recommended that only those uses currently regulated by the health department (tattoo and tanning salons) be disallowed.
Deputy County Attorney Dave Wilson said parking limits should be on a case-by-case basis because there are so many size and safety issues.
"Children are out on those streets, riding bikes and playing, and with the increase in traffic, from a liability standpoint, there should be some provision for off-street parking if the homes have one-half to 1-acre lots."
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