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Planner Nearing advised that staff continues to support the <br />five year requirement for grandfathering existing businesses, but <br />does feel the method of showing proof of the existence of the <br />business could be amended if the Board desires. <br />Chairman Scurlock asked how the ordinance is structured in <br />terms of expanding an existing grandfathered use, and Planner <br />Nearing explained that a conforming use may continue to exist <br />unless it goes out of business more than ninety days or is more <br />than 50% destroyed; but it may not expand or enlarge. <br />Commissioner Eggert asked if the P & Z Commission included <br />any requirement regarding proof of prior operation of the <br />business when they recommended the date of February 24th. She <br />noted she has never had the feeling that someone should be able <br />to get a license on the 23rd, for instance, and have the business <br />considered valid on the 24th. <br />Director Keating stated it was his understanding they were <br />agreeing with the concept of the occupational license being the <br />method and with that recommending the change in the date. <br />Commissioner Eggert noted that within the past five years <br />this zoning has changed, but wished to know if it is correct that <br />would have had no effect on the home occupations requirements at <br />all, and Planner Nearing confirmed that none of the existing uses <br />would have been permitted in any of those zoning districts. <br />Commissioner Bird believed we added certain occupations that <br />could be conducted in this area, but he felt the requirement that <br />the activity be conducted only by members of the family living in <br />the residence is a bit unreasonable. He pointed out that members <br />of the family do grow up and establish homes of their own and <br />still would want to work in the family business. He also <br />questioned the provision that products cannot be offered for sale <br />to the general public from the premises when one of the allowable <br />occupations is lawnmowers and small engine sales, service and <br />repair; where are you going to sell them other than to the <br />general public? <br />45 <br />JAN 19 1988 <br />BOOK 70 ME 605 <br />