The City of Dickinson Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 10 recommended approval of Special Use Permit SUP-005-2025 for a home-based flower arranging business at 1896 1st Street West.

City planner Natalie Burchak told commissioners the property is zoned high-density residential (R-3) and that staff had received a written comment from an existing, commercial-scale flower shop expressing concern that a home-based business would operate outside commercial areas. Staff recommended approval subject to conditions listed in the staff report, including hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, compliance with Attachment A, and that the SUP would expire upon a change in ownership.

Applicant Melissa Shepherd, co-owner of Veil Fleur the flower market, addressed commissioners and described operations: she said she and her daughter run the business and that about "95% of our sales come from the Internet" and out-of-town customers. Shepherd said she prefers to deliver rather than have customers pick up at her residence, citing privacy and neighbor concerns; she added that deliveries currently arrive about once per week, with occasional larger deliveries during holidays.

In response to commissioner questions, Burchak said home-based occupations may have a small sign (an applicant can decline it), are permitted roughly one nonresident employee, and may accept pickups at the location but would be limited to about four to five pickups per day under the proposed Attachment A limits. The staff report requires the home-based business to comply with all applicable city, county, state and federal regulations.

The public hearing was opened and, after no one offered oral comments, closed. An unidentified commissioner moved that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval of SUP-005-2025 subject to the staff conditions read into the record; the motion was seconded and carried on an oral "aye" vote.

The Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation will go forward to the next step in the city's approval process.