Home-based businesses in Cochrane that are considered ‘minor’ soon may not be required to purchase a development permit.
Administration presented the proposal to council on March 11 for first reading to eliminate the current prerequisite and to set a public hearing for March 25.
A Cochrane land-use bylaw describes a minor home-based business as one that is a secondary use of a dwelling unit by at least one of the dwelling’s permanent residents for gainful occupation or business activity.
Major home-based businesses will still require a development permit. The difference between major and minor being that minor home-based businesses do not involve clients contact at the residence.
The amendment would exempt up to two minor home-based businesses within one dwelling. A development permit would be necessary for a third or more minor businesses in one residence.
A development permit application costs $125.
Council supported a policy to bring together the Civic Partnerships and Community Grants with the Arts and Culture Endowment Fund, which creates a one-stop shop for not-for-profit organizations applying for a grant from the town.
Suzanne Gaida, senior manager for community services, said that the old application review focused on one-time events being held in town, while the new procedure will target larger projects that bring something to enhance the community.
As of December 2012, the Arts and Culture Endowment Fund sat at $325,000, $22,000 of which is the interest accumulated to date and the portion provided by the town as grants.
Applicants must represent one of six categories: arts, culture, heritage, recreation, environment or community spirit.
Council approved the 2013 Strategic Plan, making the document the foundation for the development of divisional business plans and upcoming town budgets.
The plan has been moving forward since the beginning of the new year, with town CAO Julian deCocq providing an update of progress during council’s Feb. 25 meeting.
The plan was approved in principle on May 28, 2012.
