Laserfiche WebLink
Mounds View Planning Commission March 3, 2021 <br />Regular Meeting Page 4 <br />________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Complaints about Home Occupations are rare, and have mostly been in regards to parking, and <br />nuisances (noise, fumes, etc.). Staff also receives the same complaints about homes without <br />Home Occupations. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Sevald explained recently, a resident has asked to build a <br />commercial greenhouse in their backyard. A noncommercial greenhouse is permitted, but a <br />commercial greenhouse is not. This raises the question; if they look the same, then what is the <br />difference. If a resident can use their garage as an auto repair shop, would it be any more <br />intrusive if the garage were used as a greenhouse (or any other type of business). Staff <br />commented on the number of home occupations operating in the City currently. He requested <br />feedback from the Commission on how to proceed. <br /> <br />Kurtis Barbeau, 8375 Sunnyside Road, explained he wants to construct a greenhouse to grow <br />mushrooms and microgreens. He reported he could not do this on the scale he would like within <br />his home, but rather would need a greenhouse. He explained the greenhouse would not be <br />generating any noise. <br /> <br />Commissioner Nelson questioned how this request was any different than someone selling Etsy <br />items from their home. He indicated there were residents selling volumes of items from their <br />home but he understood home businesses were a touchy subject. <br /> <br />Commissioner Stevenson supported the City limiting the construction to 1,800 square feet of <br />storage. He stated this would meet the garage and the greenhouse could be no larger than 1,800 <br />square feet. Mr. Barbeau explained he understood this was the City’s requirement. <br /> <br />Commissioner Munson commented if this greenhouse would not impact the neighbors, she <br />supported the greenhouse being constructed. <br /> <br />Commissioner Nelson anticipated the greenhouse would be less disruptive than a chicken coop. <br />He indicated he did not want to see the City impinging on property rights. <br /> <br />Commissioner Farmer concurred and commented on the benefit of having more people working <br />from home as this was minimizing the number of trips on the local highways. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Sevald stated in general, the Commission supported a <br />greenhouse. He noted Mr. Barbeau would have to apply for a CUP for an oversized garage and <br />noted staff would prepare an Ordinance amendment that would remove the clause that prohibits <br />non-commercial greenhouses, noting the key would be to have the business being subordinate to <br />the use of the property as a residence. <br /> <br /> <br />7. Reports <br /> <br />A. Upcoming Planning Cases & Activity <br />