Plan commission recommends CZO updates on home occupations, drops extra‑parking limit

Richardson staff on May 19 presented proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to implement recent state law changes affecting home occupations and to add a new category, the “no‑impact home‑based business.” The City Plan Commission recommended approval with one targeted deletion.

Staff explained the two‑use approach: retain a regulated “home occupation” (conducted within the dwelling and subject to performance criteria) and add a “no‑impact home‑based business” (state law allows use of the entire property so long as activities are not visible from the street and the use remains secondary to the residence). The proposed supplemental regulations differentiate area limits, numbers of non‑resident employees, visibility, outdoor storage, noise, and parking requirements.

The state changes cited by staff were described in the hearing as House Bill 2464 and related amendments to the Texas Local Government Code. Staff emphasized that municipalities retain authority to require compliance with building and fire codes and to regulate compatibility with residential character.

Commissioners expressed particular concern about staff’s drafted allowance to permit one additional paved rear‑yard parking space for a no‑impact home‑based business when the property accessed an alley. Some commissioners worried that a strict one‑space limit could invite legal challenge under state preemption or be unduly restrictive where a lot was large and fully screened. Staff noted the provision was intended to balance residential character with on‑site parking needs.

After discussion, the commission voted unanimously to recommend the CZO amendments to City Council while deleting the paragraph that allowed the single additional paved rear‑yard parking space; staff said it would revisit the wording with the city attorney before council consideration. The item was scheduled to go to City Council on June 15.