Yarmouth board narrows and approves home‑occupation permit for Koru Therapies; variance request withdrawn

The Yarmouth Board of Appeals on May 14 granted a narrowly drawn special permit to Jennifer Wallace, doing business as Koru Therapies, to operate one‑on‑one massage and bodywork from her residence at 21 Aelia Lane.

Wallace originally requested broader home‑occupation authority covering multiple modalities, small groups and extended hours. Board members raised concerns about parking, late‑night hours, groups of visitors and whether health‑department or licensing rules would apply. In response, Wallace offered to narrow the request to one‑on‑one massage and bodywork only.

The board voted 5–0 to approve a special permit limited to: massage and bodywork indoors on the first floor only; one client at a time; Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; no exterior business activity; no employees; staggered appointments to avoid two client vehicles onsite simultaneously; a one‑year administrative review; and a condition that the permit is personal to Wallace and lapses on discontinuance. The petitioner also moved to withdraw her variance request without prejudice; the board granted that withdrawal.

Chair Sean Igo reminded Wallace of post‑decision steps: the decision will be filed with the town clerk, a 20‑day appeal period follows, and then she must record the decision as required and follow building/health regulations where applicable.