An amended zoning ordinance pertaining to home occupation was passed unanimously at the Red Bank Commission meeting Tuesday night.
Previously, home offices have been allowed by city law. However, real estate and insurance offices were excluded because of the activity surrounding customers coming and going from the location.
The situation has changed because of technology, said Mayor John Roberts, which allows more people to work from home.
Prompted by the application to operate a real estate business from a home in Red Bank, the commissioners considered the issue and changed the existing ordinance on first reading at the Dec. 17 commission meeting to allow real estate and insurance businesses to operate from a residence.
A home occupation permit will be required, however, which restricts uses of the property. A permit will limit a home business from providing services from that workplace and will require unobtrusive use of the location. Conditions of receiving a permit are among other things, no signs, parking, additional employees, commercial deliveries or customers coming and going. Noise emanating from the residence, also is prohibited. The amended ordinance was passed on second and final reading.
Mayor Roberts said that exciting things will be happening in Red Bank in the coming year. There is a lot of interest in businesses locating in the city.