Owner seeks to restore 1964 greenhouse; town counsel limits operations to non‑retail, tours likely need rezoning

Gauge Bailey told the Town of Pine Mountain work session on Aug. 10, 2026, that he plans to restore a greenhouse constructed in 1964 on his property and asked whether it could operate as a home occupation. Town legal counsel advised that the greenhouse could be used under the home‑occupation rules if the use is “strictly limited to the ‘growth and propagation of plants’ without any retail component onsite.” The counsel clarified that incidental, irregular sales on the premises are permitted by the home‑occupation code but that the greenhouse cannot function as a commercial storefront with retail hours.

Counsel also said the use must comply with all home occupation requirements, including off‑street parking (not on the front lawn). Mr. Gibson stated that offering tours would not automatically qualify as a legal nonconforming use unless tours had continued within the last 12 months; he also said tours likely would not fit within the home‑occupation ordinance and would require rezoning for recurring public access. Bailey told the council the greenhouse would not have normal business hours and would operate by appointment only. Council offered no final determination and indicated staff and legal follow‑up would be needed before any formal change in use.