“The law will minimize impacts home businesses have on neighborhoods,” said County Councilman Donald G. Couch Jr. “At the same time, I hope this legislation helps residents build their own success stories and allow them to grow their businesses into multi-million-dollar enterprises in a commercial district.”

WAILUKU – The County Council’s Planning Committee recently recommended passage on first reading of a bill to provide general standards and restrictions for home businesses in Maui County, announced Councilman Donald G. Couch Jr., who chairs the committee and introduced the bill.

The bill allows home businesses as a permitted use in the apartment, residential and rural zoning districts, subject to certain criteria. Home businesses would also be allowed in the agricultural zoning district with a special use permit.

The home business bill is scheduled to be heard for first reading at the Nov. 7 council meeting. Comments may be e-mailed to pc.committee@mauicounty.us, referencing PC-33.

“This legislation will help regulate an existing industry and will further enhance economic opportunities in this county,” Couch said. “I want to thank the residents, commissions, departments and my colleagues who have contributed in refining the bill since I introduced it three years ago.”

Committee members agreed home business operations must not generate traffic in greater volumes than would normally be expected in the neighborhood where they are located.

Other provisions of the bill include: hours of operation will be limited to between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m.; automotive repair and body shops will require a special use permit; only one ground or wall sign (no larger than two square feet) will be permitted; and granting of a special use permit may result in a change of the real property tax classification.

The committee held district meetings late last year to receive public input on the measure.

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