The Town of Normal is requesting the public's feedback on zoning and regulation of home-based businesses at an open house Wednesday, Nov. 18. It will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. in Room 409 at City Hall.
A newsletter sent by the town this week said, "This event is an opportunity to ask questions and weigh in prior to the official zoning code amendment process."
The current code already restricts home-based business activity when it involves an exchange of goods and merchandise.
Normal Director of Planning and Zoning Mercy Davison told WGLT eventually, proposed code language will be brought to the town council, but it hasn't been written yet. She's seeking feedback to draft it. She specifically wants feedback from residents about the number of vehicles accessing residential properties every day, the use of "accessory structures" such as sheds and detached garages, and businesses based in automobiles.
In August, the Normal Town Council was set to discuss an agenda item that would have banned home occupations from allowing customers to come to private residences any for business purposes, which would have been an expansion of the current code. The proposal was unanimously passed by the town's planning commission.
The small business community in Bloomington-Normal noticed and took to social media to criticize it prior to the scheduled meeting. Commenters worried the proposal would shut down the business activities of entrepreneurs who teach in-home music lessons, provide tutoring or run cottage bakeries from their homes.
Following the criticism, Mayor Chris Koos told WGLT the update was withdrawn "for further study and consideration."
The town's newsletter this week indicated the time for further consideration has arrived — thus the open house.
The town also clarified "Normal's zoning provisions do not pertain to home-based daycare operations or group homes, both of which are regulated by the State of Illinois."
Those who cannot attend the open house but would like to be involved are asked to email Davison at mdavison@normalil.gov.
