Normal Mayor Chris Koos said he intends to withdraw a proposal that would have banned home occupations from allowing customers to come to their home in the town.
The proposal was one of a number of changes to the zoning code that the town council is set to consider at its 7 p.m. meeting at Uptown Station.
“This very much seems to be a one-size-fits-all scenario. This section is withdrawn for further study and consideration," Koos said in a statement to WGLT.
Under the existing code, home occupations are not allowed to sell commodities or render services “that require receipt and delivery of merchandise, goods or equipment.”
The proposed ordinance would specify that the ban includes customers, clients, patients, pupils, students, vendors or business invitees. It states that business activities would need to be done off-site, by phone, mail, electronic communication or “other means that do not involve visits to the dwelling unit or premises.”
The ordinance excludes ordinary residential delivery services.
The proposal drew criticism on social media, including from a Facebook group called Small Business BloNo, which urged the public to express their opposition to the plan. Commenters who teach music lessons or run cottage bakeries from their homes said the change would effectively shut down their businesses.
The meeting, which is set for 7 p.m. at Uptown Station, also includes a vote on new zoning rules for building heights, signs, off-street parking and battery energy storage systems.
