§ 165.21 Home-Based Businesses

1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

A. “Home-based business” means any business for the manufacture, provision, or sale of goods or services that is owned and operated by the owner or tenant of the residential property on which the business operates.

B. “No-impact home-based business” means a home-based business for which all of the following apply:

(1) The total number of on-site employees and clients does not exceed the occupancy limit for the residential property.

(2) The activities are limited to the sale of lawful goods and services.

(3) The activities do not generate on-street parking or a substantial increase in traffic through the residential area.

(4) The activities occur inside the residential dwelling or in the yard of the residential property.

(5) The activities are not visible from an adjacent property or street.

2. Permitted Use. Home-based businesses shall be permitted in all residential zoning districts subject to the provisions of this section and applicable State law.

3. No-Impact Home-Based Businesses. No-impact home-based businesses are permitted by right in all residential zoning districts and shall not require a permit, license, registration, variance, or other form of prior approval from the City.

4. Standards Applicable to All Home-Based Businesses. All home-based businesses shall comply with the following standards:

A. The home-based business shall remain secondary and subordinate to the use of the property as a residence.

B. No more than 49 percent of the total floor area of the dwelling and any accessory structures shall be devoted to the home-based business.

C. The home-based business shall not alter the residential character of the property or surrounding neighborhood.

D. The home-based business shall not be conducted in a manner that produces noise, vibration, glare, smoke, dust, odors, electrical interference, fire hazards, or other nuisances beyond those normally associated with residential uses.

E. The home-based business shall not generate traffic, parking demand, or deliveries that are incompatible with the residential character of the neighborhood.

F. No exterior display or outdoor storage of goods, supplies, materials, inventory, or equipment related to the home-based business shall be permitted.

G. No signage advertising the home-based business shall be permitted except as otherwise specifically authorized by this Code.

H. The home-based business shall comply with all applicable federal, State, and local laws, including building, fire, health, sanitation, and safety regulations.

I. Commercial vehicles, trailers, tanks, generators, or similar business-related equipment shall not be stored outdoors unless otherwise permitted by this Code.

5. Compliance with State Law. This section shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with Iowa Code Section 414.33, as amended. If any provision of this section conflicts with State law, State law shall control.