Attachment 1: Home Occupation – Scope of Bylaw Review (Jan 21, 2025)

HOME OCCUPATION – SCOPE OF BYLAW REVIEW

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT Council approve the following scope of work for the review of the home occupation regulations in the Zoning Bylaw and Business Licence and Regulations Bylaw:

• review of the current definition for home occupation within the Zoning Bylaw;
• review Section 4.2 to determine if the Town’s home occupation regulations are in alignment with other municipalities in the Greater Victoria area while fostering a business-friendly community;
• determine if there are any additional amendments required related to home occupations elsewhere within the Zoning Bylaw;
• address the following items within the Business Licence and Regulations Bylaw:
  • align home occupation definition with the Zoning Bylaw; and
  • remove home craft definition.
• some engagement with the home occupation business owners may occur depending on the extent of the proposed changes.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

No alternative options.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to present Council with a proposed project scope on the review on the home occupation regulations in the Zoning Bylaw and business licensing.

BACKGROUND:

The Town’s Strategic Plan contains the following strategic priorities related to home occupations:

Strategic Priority B, Goal 3: Business Retention/Attraction 3c | Review home occupation business zoning regulations and licensing

Strategic Priority D, Goal 2: Diversified Revenue Base: 2a | Continue to improve relationships with business community to build business friendly reputation – consider expanded Home Occupation definition; engage with South Island Prosperity Project annually, explore amendments to West Shore Chamber of Commerce funding model; engage with Destination Victoria, advocate with the Film Commission.

With respect to Strategic Priority B, Goal 3, 3c, there is limited context provided to staff on what type of zoning review Council is looking for. Therefore, further guidance on project scope is required prior to staff commencing an in-depth review of the home occupation zoning regulations and business licensing to ensure the review meets the intent of the strategic priority.

ANALYSIS:

To provide some further clarity on the strategic priorities, staff is proposing the following scope of work for review of home occupation zoning regulations and business licensing for Council’s consideration:

• review of the current definition for home occupation within the Zoning Bylaw;
• review Section 4.2 to determine if the Town’s home occupation regulations are in alignment with other municipalities in the Greater Victoria area while fostering a business-friendly community;
• determine if there are any additional amendments required related to home occupations elsewhere within the Zoning Bylaw;
• address the following items within the Business Licence and Regulations Bylaw:
  • align home occupation definition with the Zoning Bylaw; and
  • remove home craft definition.
• some engagement with the home occupation business owners may occur depending on the extent of the proposed changes.

Impacts and implications can be summarized as follows:

ALIGNMENT:

The recommended option aligns with the Town’s following core guiding documents as follows:

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GOAL:

The desired level of public participation for the recommended option is:

[ ] Inform [x] Consult [ ] Involve [ ] Collaborate [ ] Empower [ ] N/A

TIME CRITICAL:

There are no time critical considerations for the Town.

CONCURRENCE:

REVIEWED BY:

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Zoning Bylaw Section 4.2 – Home Occupation Regulations