Study Purpose and Scope
The County Board requested that the Planning Department review the idea of broadening
the allowable scope of businesses operated as "accessory" uses by the residences of
homes on larger lots found in the county's rural areas. Currently, the prohibition of any
non-resident employees and other limitations may be unnecessarily restricting the operation
of small home-based businesses. This review could result in amendments to the county
and/or city zoning codes on the rules for home occupations in agricultural zones.
Study Process and Timing
The Planning Department completed and distributed a report on this issue in January 2009,
titled "Expanding Home-Based Businesses in Rural Lancaster County". The report
was discussed in March at a meeting with officials from the 12 smaller cities in Lancaster
County and County Board members. The Planning Commission was briefed on this study at its March 25 and June 17 meetings.
The County Board has requested the Planning Department to proceed with appropropriate zoning changes.
The Planning Department has prepared draft proposed zoning language and a staff report. The
Planning Commission help public hearing on August 12 and August 26, 2009 and recommended approval.
This now goes on to the County Board with a briefing set for September 3 and a
public hearing and action on September 29.
Staff Contact
For further information, contact Mike DeKalb at mdekalb@lincoln.ne.gov
or by calling him at 441-6370.
Community Comment Board
Please view and submit comments on the Rural Home-Based Business Study.
Planning
Planning