During the DeKalb County Plan Commission meeting on November 20, 2024, significant discussions centered around the regulations governing home-based businesses, particularly concerning what should be excluded from this category. The commission is working to refine the definitions and standards to ensure that home-based businesses do not disrupt the residential character of neighborhoods.

One of the key proposals discussed was the inclusion of specific activities that should never qualify as home-based businesses. This includes operations such as garbage and recycling collection, junkyards, and any business involving outdoor storage of dumpsters. The commission is considering whether to explicitly prohibit the rental of dumpsters that are stored outside residential properties, as these could detract from the aesthetic and functional integrity of the area.

Commission members expressed a desire to maintain a balance between allowing small, home-based enterprises and preventing larger, more disruptive commercial activities from encroaching on residential zones. The conversation highlighted the importance of ensuring that home businesses remain small-scale and do not alter the overall appearance of properties.

Additionally, there was a discussion about the potential for requiring privacy fencing and landscaping for any outdoor storage associated with permitted home-based businesses. This would help mitigate visual impacts and maintain neighborhood standards.

The commission also touched on the historical context of home-based firearm sales, noting that state regulations have evolved to allow such businesses to operate from residential properties, which has led to an increase in firearm licenses.

As the commission continues to refine these regulations, they aim to create a framework that supports local entrepreneurs while preserving the residential character of DeKalb County. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential revisions to the proposed standards before final approval.