Bylaw changed for home businesses

Stratford residents can now apply to operate a home business out of a semi-detached dwelling, such as a duplex, after the town approved a bylaw amendment at a special council meeting on July 15.

Previously, home occupations were allowed only in single-detached dwellings (or singlefamily homes). The bylaw still does not allow home businesses to operate out of apartments or townhouses. The change was motivated by Lesli Hilton of 53 Marion Dr., who applied to operate her nail salon out of the semidetached dwelling where she resides. A public consultation meeting on the matter was held June 23.

The proposed bylaw change underwent and passed first reading at the regular council meeting on July 14. Kevin Reynolds, the town’s planning director, explained the property’s owner also needs to formally agree to allow the business to operate.

The town’s zoning and development bylaw (#45) now allows the following types of home businesses to apply and potentially operate in both semi-detached and single-detached dwellings (or single-family homes): professional offices; occupations and businesses that create and/or offer for sale arts and crafts, weavings, paintings and sculptures; occupations and businesses that repair garden or household ornaments, personal effects, clothing or toys; hairdressing salons or barbershops; and photography studios. The business cannot employ more than two people who do not also reside in the dwelling.