Atlas Twp.-A tough employment environment coupled with an uncertain economy has prompted township officials to create a home occupation business ordinance.
By a vote of 5-0, the township board approved the plan developed by the township planning commission.
Specifically, the ordinance will include allowing two employees that do not live in a home to work there, up to 30 vehicles per day may travel to the home, and one two-by-two sign in front of the house.
Scott Statson, Sr., township trustee and planning commission member, said the change is necessary.
‘Right now people are out there struggling to get by,? said Statson. ‘They’re trying to make a buck’we are encouraging the growth of small business in our community. Keep in mind that we do not allow dual zoning in the township (business and residential), however we are looking for the exception to that rule. All small business starts at home. We all know they exist in the township. This ordinance legitimizes it and at the same time keeps the small businesses from getting out of hand.?
While the number of home-based businesses are unknown in the community, according to the U.S Bureau of Economic Analysis, the number of home- based businesses has increased. From 2001-2006, the number of Oakland County self-employed people increased by 42,500, or 33 percent, from 128,000 in 2001 to 170,000 in 2006.