In these times, any number of small businesses are struggling. For owners barely eking out a living, the rent for an office or store can be the difference between making a profit or going under.
That's what makes the proposed zoning change that the Citrus Heights City Council will vote on Thursday night so sensible. Citrus Heights allows residents to operate home-based businesses, but under current city zoning laws, only residents of the home can work in the business.
The proposed new rule permits home business owners to have one nonresident employee report to the home work site each day. For example, a lawyer or accountant who worked out of a home office could employ a secretary. A chiropractor might want to employ a receptionist; a home-based tailor an assistant.
Other cities in the region – Roseville, West Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove and the city of Sacramento – already allow nonresident employees to work in home businesses. Sacramento County, West Sacramento and Rancho Cordova do not.
These jurisdictions should consider changing their zoning codes, too. While there is always a need to balance business interests against a residential neighborhood's desire for tranquility, one interest does not have to be sacrificed for the other.
Various restrictions prevent home-based businesses from becoming neighborhood nuisances. Homes cannot be altered to accommodate the business in ways that change the character of the house. Illuminated signs are not allowed. Most cities limit the number of clients a business can serve at the home.
Such businesses can be a boon to neighborhoods that empty out during the day as most residents go off to work or school. People working at home can serve as the eyes and ears for their absent neighbors.
In good times or hard, cities ought to welcome changes that help businesses survive. The Citrus Heights home-business zoning change does that. It deserves to pass.
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