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Mounds View Planning Commission January 18, 2012 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Associate Heller indicated the Planning Commission was not comfortable with allowing this use in residential zoning districts without a public hearing and notification to neighboring properties. She reviewed how the City of White Bear Lake handles massage therapy in residential homes through a Special Home Occupation Permit that uses the conditional use permit process. She stated a similar Special Home Occupation Permit process could be created by the City, but the approval would not be recorded with Ramsey County or run with the land like a typical conditional use permit does. She recommended that the Special Home Occupation Permits be reviewed on a regular basis. She indicated the proposed permit process would require a public hearing as desired by the Planning Commission. Chair Stevenson questioned if the changes needed for City Code Chapter 514 regarding massage therapy would require an amendment. Associate Heller indicated that several sections of the City Code would likely need to be amended to add this new permit process. Chair Stevenson was in favor of the massage therapy use with notification to the neighbors, but without holding a formal public hearing. He indicated this would make neighbors aware of the home occupation. Associate Heller stated a 10-day comment period could be allowed to give neighbors a chance to object or provide comments to City Staff. She indicated any issues could be brought to the Council’s attention prior to approval. Chair Stevenson asked if massage therapy would be allowed in all residential properties. Associate Heller explained the Commission would have to decide if massage therapy should be allowed in single-family homes, duplexes, manufactured homes, rental properties, apartments, townhomes, etc. She was comfortable with allowing massage therapy in all residential zoning districts so long as the applicant receives approval from the property owner, if the applicant is not the owner. Commissioner Cramblit did not want to limit residents who live in rental property. Chair Stevenson questioned if the hours of operation should be limited. Commissioner Meehlhause did not feel the hours of operation for this service needed to be limited. Associate Heller agreed stating it would be difficult to enforce hours of operation limitations. Chair Stevenson directed Staff make the necessary revisions to the proposed City Code amendment and bring the information back to the Commission for further discussion. ______________________________________________________________________________