The hubby and I are buying two lots next door to us. We planned on putting up a greenhouse and having a little home business for me. Anyway, the city planner called today and said we couldn't have a retail or wholesale business here. We're two houses away from the commercial zone wouldn't you know!

We are allowed to have a home business as long as it is fully contained in the house and we can store materials in an outbuilding. They just don't want people coming to the house to purchase things. I could still have the greenhouse and sell things by mail or on the web. I could also sell things at the farmers market which is two blocks away, but of course they are only open a few months a year.

Another idea is to grow herbs from which I could spend all winter making things like wreaths, catnip mice, etc.

Does anyone have any other bright ideas of how to get around these zoning laws? I already asked if I could appeal it and he said I could but he didn't hold out much hope for getting it changed. You know its funny, I could have a daycare center with up to 16 screaming little kids but I can't have some nice quiet little plants. Go figure.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2001

Answers

Can you connect the greenhouse to the house? Can you take your plants elsewhere to sell? I love the idea of making them into crafts. Better yet...value added salves, soaps, and lotions sold at other venues?

Can you have a greenhouse for your own use?

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2001

bummer debra. I used to work for a commercial greenhouse and we made up little roll around carts which we would deliver to grocery stores in little burgs and then keep them supplied with flowers etc. they kept them watered and put them in at night. You wouldn't believe the volume we went through. I remember little old ladies with canes elbowing me out of the way so they could get first pick at the new arrivals. One draw back on using a retailer was missing out on contact with the customer and all the associated plant talk. good side was we got to talk to and care for the plants and made lotsa money. I'd try for a variance on the law, considering your so close to a commercial zone. It may hinge on your neighbors not objecting to the exception so how abut putting up the greenhouse, sharing the bounty with your neighbors to get on their good side and then doing a wholesale thing. As long as there were no signs or complaining neighbors I doubt you would be bothered. good luck debra

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

Debra, what is the property zoned as now? Didn't you say that there was a school previously on the site? It might help your variance request if you can show that the property was not used for a residential purpose in the past. I'd also suggest talking to your neighbors and getting their support.

Have you actually bought the property yet? Do you still want it if you can't use it as you had hoped? Can you put in the purchase offer that the sale is dependent on getting the zoning variance?

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

I think JZ's on the right track but as a temporary measure why not an occasional "Plant rummage sale"?

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2001

Thanks everyone for your great ideas. I knew I could count on you! Sorry it took so long to get back to you all. It seems that there is soooo much to do these days being recently married and all. One of my married girlfriends warned me that husbands take up A LOT of time. Boy, was she ever right!

Now to answer your questions...The property is currently zoned residential. No we haven't purchased it yet, but have sent a letter of intent and we are filling out the paperwork for a loan. We do still intend to purchase the property even if we can't do what we'd planned. We already have a large lot for this small burg and the 2 additional ones will will give us a larger "yard" than almost anyone else.

Even if we don't get to have the business, we'll have plenty of room for one whale of a garden! We'll be able to grow a great percentage of our food which has always been a goal of mine.

I've talked to most of the neighbors already and everyone thinks it's great. They all said they'd rather buy their plants from me than elsewhere. Most of the neighbors stop by to chat and admire the garden I've planted in the front. (there's no yard left out there!).

Thanks again and I'll let you know how it turns out.

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001

It seems that there is soooo much to do these days being recently married and all.

Yeah, yeah, debra,

We know what you two are doing - same thing anybody else does when they get married... heh, heh ;-)

Good luck in your venture.

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001

Jim, You're an ornery little bugger aren't you? :) I wish "THAT" was why I have so much to do, but he truth is we've been cleaning out Joe's house and fixing it up to rent. One never realizes how much stuff they really have, or how many things need fixing on the place until its time to move. (Maybe when we get his house done I will have time for "THAT"!)

-- Anonymous, August 23, 2001