The Cheyenne City Council convened on February 21, 2025, for a work session focused on the annual review of the Unified Development Code (UDC). A significant topic of discussion was the proposal to allow salons as home occupations, which could provide new hairstylists an opportunity to start their businesses from home.

The proposal aims to limit the scope of these home salons to single-chair operations. This would enable individuals entering the hairstyling industry to manage their businesses in a residential setting before potentially relocating to a commercial space as they grow. Currently, the proposal anticipates allowing up to three customers at a time in a home salon, with one receiving a service, another possibly waiting, and a stylist present.

Council members raised important questions regarding the definition of a salon. Dr. Aldridge highlighted the variety of services that could fall under this category, such as nail services, aesthetics, and massage therapy. He urged the council to consider a broader definition to encompass these services, noting that many practitioners already operate from home without regulation.

Concerns about parking were also discussed, with Mr. Seagrave emphasizing the potential impact of increased vehicle traffic in residential neighborhoods. He pointed out that home salons could lead to additional cars during peak hours, which may affect the neighborhood's dynamics.

Mr. White echoed Dr. Aldridge's sentiments, advocating for an expanded definition to include various home-based beauty services. He questioned why the initial proposal was limited to salons and suggested that the council should consider the needs of other professionals seeking to operate from home.

In response to the feedback, the council indicated that they would take these considerations into account as they move forward. They plan to conduct public outreach to gather further input on the proposal, particularly regarding parking and the inclusion of other service types.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to thoughtfully evaluate the implications of allowing home salons and potentially expanding the definition to include a wider range of home-based beauty services. The council aims to ensure that any changes to the UDC are beneficial for both business owners and the community.