By Lisa Carolin
The confusion over what defines a home occupation versus a home business was the subject of discussion for the Lima Township Planning Commission at its Jan. 23 meeting.
The question facing the commission was whether to change the existing ordinance under home occupation, in which there is no provision for employees other than family members who live in the dwelling unit, and does not address allowing outside employees. The commission ultimately took no action.
Zoning Administrator Tom Caplis reminded commissioners, “Home occupation is a permitted use by right.”
“Doing taxes or cutting someone’s hair are examples of home occupations,” said Marlene Consiglio, chair of the planning commission. “When you start to get employees, then it’s a home business.”
“If they want four or five employees, that’s when they need to find another spot,” said Kenneth Prielipp, planning commission member.
Lima Township Supervisor Craig Maier said that a full-scale business that needs more than a couple employees should move.
Planning Commissioner Ed Greenleaf asked how to police such situations.
“It’s only going to be an issue if someone complains,” said Caplis.
Paul Montagno, a planner for consultant Carlisle Wortman, helped clarify the discussion with the explanation, “The intent is that a home business is small scale and that having employees doesn’t necessarily change the character of the neighborhood. But if you get up to four, five or six employees, it is changing.”
