HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Special Home Occupation Permit to operate a massage therapy business at 2016 McCarthy RoadCITY OF AMES, IOWA
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTME
IN THE MATTER OFTI-IE APPLICATION
OF SARAII A. 13EAVERS FOR A SPECIAL
HOMEOCCUPATION nimi'r,
§ 29.304(3) , AMES MUNICIPAL, CODE,
TO OPERATE A MASSAGETHERAPY
BUSINESS ON THE PROPERTY
LOCATED AT2016 McCARTIIY ROAD
FACTS
CASE NO. 15-13
L' 4 205
SE 2 4 -j --- L
CITY CLERK
GEOCODE NO. 09-09-428-090
DECISION & ORDER
'rhe property, 2016 McCarthy Road, is owned by Sarah and Timothy Beavers and is zoned
Residential Low Density (RI). The applicant, Sarah Beavers, is requesting a Special I forne
Occupation Permit to operate a massage therapy business in the home. The home is a one-story
house with a basement. One ol'the existing bedrooms (87 square f'ect) of the residence will be
used for the home Occupation. No modifications to the home are being proposed for use by the
business. The proposed hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
and every other Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The applicant plans no more than lour
clients per (lay and no more than one client at the home at any given time. The home has a single
car attached garage and a single -width driveway to McCarthy Road. It is anticipated that clients
will park automobiles in the applicant's driveway or on McCarthy Road.
All neighbors within 200 teet were notified. Four neighbors inquired seeking more information,
but seemed satisfied and no objections were filed. One neighbor attended the hearing and
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expressed concern about an increase in traffic on the street and inquired about whether the
business would have a sign. Staff and the applicant reported that the applicant had indicated no
plans for a sign and staff indicated that the relevant criterion allowed I -or Lip to ten vehicle trips
per day, and that the IOUr clients per day was within that criterion and would likely not cause a
noticeable increase in traffic. The applicant noted that she has been in the massage business for
several years and is licensed as a massage therapist by the State of Iowa and has the proper
insurance coverage.
Staff recommended approval, as the application appeared to meet all of the criteria in Ames
Municipal Code section 29.1304(3).
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The Board considers the standards applicable to Special I 101-ne Occupation Permits under the
provisions of the zoning ordinance. Having heard the evidence presented about this proposed
business, the Board finds that it meets the standards for the area to be used, signage and number
of employees. Equipment, traffic and parking associated with outside employees are not
involved in this business, and client traffic is in compliance with the standards ol'the ordinance
and should not negatively impact the neighborhood. In light of the evidence presented and the
findings in the staCf'report, the Board determines that granting the permit is appropriate.
ORDER
WHEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that the applicant is GRANTLD a Special Home
Occupation Permit, section 29.1304()) )04(')) of' the Ames Municipal Codc, to allow operation of a
professional massage therapy business at the property located at 2016 McCarthy Road.
Any person desiring to appeal this decision to a court of'record may do so within 30 (lays after
the filing ol'this decision.
Done this 24"' clay of .1 une, 2015.
Erin Cain She by Eb
Secretary to the Board Chair -,,I