Title
Home Based Businesses Code Amendments Public Hearing
Recommended Action
Move to approve the proposed Home Based Businesses Amendments
Report
Issue:
Whether to conduct a public hearing and recommend approval of the proposed Home Based Businesses Amendments.
Staff Contact:
David Ginther, Senior Planner, Community Development, 360.753.8335
Presenter(s):
David Ginther, Senior Planner
Background and Analysis:
Home Occupation. A commercial use within a residential dwelling unit which is clearly incidental and accessory to the residential use of the property and complies with applicable provisions of this Title. [OMC 18.02.180.H.]
The City of Olympia has regulated home based businesses (home occupations) since 1962 (likely earlier) with the primary intent of allowing home offices, childcare, in home hair salons and other businesses so long as there is almost no outward appearance of the business. These regulations have been occasionally updated, but retain the fundamental purpose as was written in the 1960's. Today's home occupation regulations continue to focus on avoiding increased impacts to the surrounding residences by limiting the size and scale of the business within the residence. The primary way this has been accomplished has been through requiring that only those who live in the residence can work out of the residence. Other limitations such as those related to noise, signage etc. have been in place for decades. While the primary function of these regulations remains consistent, changes to the workplace due to technology has changed and warrants a review of these requirements.
During the process for updating the City of Olympia Comprehensive Plan in 2025, comments were received that voiced concern about the use of homes for business purposes in the South Capitol Neighborhood that appeared to go beyond what would generally be allowed for a home based business. Given the recent changes to work from home options, Community Development Department ...
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