The last time that the City of Ripon’s Home Occupation Permit ordinance was updated was nearly 13 years ago.

Much has changed since then. The city experienced an uptick in Home Occupation permit requests, in particular, during recent years with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ripon Planning Commission last  month approved a few changes necessary “to correct a few minor processing technicalities that we tend to run into on a daily basis,” said Planning Director Ken Zuidervaart.

He and his staff believe that the updates will be more business friendly while continuing to protect the integrity of the neighborhoods.

The section of “Operating Requirements and Conditions – formerly the “Development Requirements” – has to deal with the home use involving clients / students.

“The previous code did not allow for clients / students to come to the home without first receiving approval by the Planning Commission,” said Zuidervaart.

The update now limited to only one client and / or student at a time, by appointment only, between the normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

Zuidervaart mentioned a financial advisor or planner, a yoga instructor, or any one-on-one type job as examples of home occupations.

Staff conducted research by checking the surrounding communities along with the greater Bay Area and Sacramento area regarding Home Occupation permits, operating requirements, and allowable / prohibited home occupations.

“Many communities varied quite a bit on what they allowed and prohibited. However, staff attempted to structure our sections based on potential impacts to residential neighborhoods.

“Although the lists certainly are not all-inclusive, uses that were not listed will be at the discretion of the Planning Commission based upon the potential impacts to neighborhood – as always, an applicant can appeal the Planning Director’s decision to the Planning Commission if they are not satisfied with the decision,” Zuidervaart said in his staff report.

A section added involved a home occupation of assemble / manufacture / repair of small items.

He described this as someone who works with items “small enough to place in your hand.”

“Our previous code did not allow for such use and, therefore, they were denied. This section will allow for residents to bring their home occupation request in front of the Planning Commission for a determination on their permit,” Zuidervaart added.

In addition, he pointed out changes to the neighborhood notification process.

“With the previous code, neighbors would be notified prior to issuance of the home occupation permit. With this amendment, they will be notified after the permit is issued,” Zuidervaart said.