07-09-2025 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 RECOMMENDATION Staff supports several aspects of the Special Home Occupation Permit request but has identified specific concerns related to the scope and enforceability of the proposed use. In particular, staff has significant reservations about the applicant’s limited involvement in the operation of Lake Phalen Rowing. Because the property owners are not directly responsible for the club’s management or programming, it is unclear whether they can ensure full compliance with the conditions of the permit. This lack of operational control presents challenges for long-term oversight and enforcement. The City Council is being asked to consider several requested deviations from the City's by-right home occupation standards. In doing so, the Council has full discretion to approve, deny, or modify any portion of the request. The Council may choose to authorize a narrower set of deviations than those proposed, based on the findings in this report or the testimony received. Staff offers the following guidance: • Exterior Storage: Staff is supportive of permitting exterior storage if rowing shells and equipment are relocated further from the shoreline and substantially screened with plantings and/or a privacy fence. • Exterior Activity: Staff supports allowing activities related to the occupation to occur outside the home, consistent with the applicant’s proposal. • Group Instruction: Staff is conditionally supportive of this deviation, provided the use is limited to one daily session, capped at 25 individuals, and that all other programming by Lake Phalen Rowing occurs off-site. • Parking: Staff finds the proposed use of the City Hall lot acceptable only if a formal agreement is executed. Under no circumstances should parking occur on Edgerton or Schletty. • Non-Resident Employees: Staff supports the requested allowance for non-resident volunteer coaches to assist with youth instruction. • Noise Impacts: Staff recommends a condition prohibiting megaphones or other voice amplification devices due to the proximity of neighboring homes and the sound-carrying nature of lake environments. Should the City Council choose to approve the Special Home Occupation Permit, staff recommends the following conditions be included: General Conditions 1. The applicant must comply with all home occupation standards as outlined in the City of Little Canada Zoning Code, except where specifically exempted by this permit. 2. This Special Home Occupation Permit shall be valid for one (1) year. Renewal shall not be presumed and will be subject to review by the Zoning Administrator. In the event of written complaints, observed violations, or a change in site conditions, the Community Development