PC 01/14/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Pedro also expressed concern that students and/or parents will park their cars near his - home. Mr. Iserson reported concerns of another neighbor on Lakewood Street who is concerned with the potential impact of numerous home based businesses in the neighborhood. It has been staff's experience that it is rare to have a high number of home based businesses in one neighborhood that produce negative impacts and, therefore, they do not expect a problem with that issue. Since another neighbor expressed concern with lessons lasting until 8:30 p.m. on week nights, the applicant has agreed to conclude the lessons by 8:00 p.m. With regard to the noise issue, staff feels that it could become a problem. Therefore, staff suggested and the applicant agreed to use double-pane windows in the living room as a condition of approval. Although one neighbor has requested that the drapes be drawn in the living room during business hours, staff feels that it would not further decrease the noise and will also decrease the natural lighting into the room. Staff will, therefore, not recommend that as a condition of approval. Mr. Iserson also reported that the number of trips to the home exceeds the average of other home occupations. Staff has asked the applicant to increase the lessons from two days per week to three in order to spread out the traffic and help mitigate that issue, and she has agreed. Finally, Mr. Iserson reported that the applicant will have two parking spaces in her driveway and two on the street in front of her home which she has asked clients to use. Staff feels that this is an appropriate parking arrangement which will not have any negative impact on the neighbors. Staff feels that the applicant has done everything possible in order to reduce the negative impact to her neighbors. Additionally, since preparing the staff report, staff has received a petition signed by neighbors who are in support of the application. Staff is recommending approval of the application, subject to the conditions noted in the staff report, including a condition for re-evaluation of the permit in eight months to insure that all conditions are being followed. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED The applicant, Laura Darrow, 7760 Cottonwood Lane, thanked staff for preparing and presenting a thorough report and for taking the time to review this application with her neighbors. She feels that the conditions for approval are reasonable and agrees with the conditions. She pointed out that although she began teaching music lessons in approximately July, 1997, she did not apply for anon-exempt home occupation permit until August, 1997 because she was not aware that she needed one. Mrs. Darrow further noted that the City had not received any complaints until the notice of her application was sent to her neighbors. She further advised the Planning Commission Page 3 January 14, 1998