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Commissioner Blank inquired what is the value added for the City or business owner. Mr. Dolan replied that the value added is that they have asked whether or not they can conduct a certain business at home, and the City gives an official response that they can. He noted that the only difference is that they checked with the City and found out about the requirement. Commissioner Blank stated that he is a big believer in not having bureaucracy where it is not necessary. He added that if someone satisfies Items A-G, then no permit is required by the City. Commissioner Narum stated that it would be surprising to find out how many people have things going on at home that could be construed as a business. She added the goal is to flush those people out, such as when a neighbor disputes the business. Commissioner Blank inquired why they have to go through Items A-G and why can they not just be considered exempt. Commissioner Pentin stated that he thought that a person in required to have a business license regardless of whether he is working at a building in town or running a business out of the home. He inquired what the City’s business license ordinance states and whether someone identified as running a business out of his house would trigger the referral to Planning. Mr. Dolan replied that this is how home businesses are generally discovered by staff. He stated that people running a business out of their home come in for a license and they are sent to Planning for a zoning permit. He added that the zoning certificate formalizes the answer they get over the counter. Commissioner Blank stated that obtaining a zoning certificate should be optional, and people can get one if they desired. He added that should they request a business license and meet Items A-G, they should be exempt and can request a zoning certificated to show to the Business License office. Chair Pearce inquired if this was already optional as it states “The zoning administrator may issue a zoning certificate.” Commissioner Blank replied that the next item states “shall.” Commissioner O’Connor inquired if there is a penalty involved when the City finds out that someone is running a home business and does not have a zoning certificate. Mr. Dolan replied that staff would not do anything in this case. Chair Pearce stated that the zoning certificate would be for the protection of the applicant. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 18, 2009 Page 17 of 25