City of Homer

Planning & Zoning Telephone (907) 235-3106

491 East Pioneer Avenue Fax (907) 235-3118

Homer, Alaska 99603-7645 E-mail Planning@ci.homer.ak.us

Web Site www.ci.homer.ak.us

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M E M O R A N D U M 06-86

TO: MAYOR HORNADAY AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL

WALT WREDE, CITY MANAGER

FROM: HOMER ADVISORY PLANNING COMMISSION

BY: BETH MCKIBBEN, CITY PLANNER

DATE: May 9, 2006

SUBJECT: Itinerant Merchant Licensing Procedure and Mobile Food Service Licensing Procedure

The Planning Commission, Police Chief Robl and City Planner McKibben discussed the Itinerant Merchant and Mobile Food Service Licensing Procedures at the work session on April 5, 2006. A formal recommendation to the City Council was made at the regular meeting on April 19, 2006.

It became apparent through discussion there is a bit of a loophole in how the Police Department and the Planning Department handle itinerant merchants and mobile food venders. A couple solutions were discussed.

· Raising the itinerant merchants and mobile food service permit fees. The Commission recommends a minimum of $250. This is the minimum fee an applicant would pay for a commercial zoning permit. In an effort to recognize the permanent investment a zoning permit application makes this only seems equitable.

· Review the time limit of an itinerant merchant’s permit. Currently the permit is valid for 60 days. When a merchant finds a private property location the Police Department no longer considers them itinerant. We have had cases when an itinerant merchant has located in a temporary manner for more than 60 days. A zoning permit for a non-structure is not appropriate. It was also discussed that the “summer” season has grown since these regulations were developed and perhaps a 90-day limit for an itinerant merchant would be more suitable.

· A technical review of this section of the code is needed, and certain terms and phrases should be updated to reflect the current situation.

· Requirements for not displacing the minimum required number of parking spaces should be considered. Mobile food and itinerant merchants sometimes operate out of private parking lots. It is important, especially during the busy summer season to maintain at least the minimum required number of parking spaces for that private business.

· Review of locations and traffic consideration when permitting.

Recommendation

The Homer Advisory Planning Commission recommends the Council review and revise HCC 8.08, Itinerant or Transit Merchant’s License and 8.11, Mobile Food Service.