A home-based business got the nod of approval from the municipal planning commission after a short-lived debate over control of the smells emanating from the shop was resolved.The carpentry and oilfield contractor business will be based out of a shop on the landowner's property, south of Pine Lake.“There is a letter pertaining to the smell,” said Mayor Jim Wood, asking if there was any way to put in place a clause to make sure any stink won't affect neighbours.Administration pointed out a clause that states any nuisance which includes odour, “shall not be produced by the home business. At all times, the privacy and enjoyment of adjacent residents shall be preserved.”Div. 5 Coun. Richard Lorenz wanted to know how far away the building was from the closest neighbour and Wood asked if the clause was enforceable. Admin suggested the closest neighbour was a couple of hundred feet away and said the clause could be enforced.The commission approved the home-based business with Div. 2 Coun. Don Nesbitt opposed.“The intent is for farmers needing help with their business,” said Nesbitt of home-based businesses. “A small acreage isn't supporting ag. I think this is something we need to look at with the MDP.”Also on the agenda during the municipal planning commission meeting March 27 was a discretionary development permit application for a separate home-based business that didn't get approval.“I think it's violating the intent of the home business,” said Nesbitt of a proposed business operation southeast of Red Deer that would include spray foam insulation, mobile sandblasting and coating and flood fighting and control.“There were numerous letters of objections. I would like to see as many businesses as possible in Red Deer County but it can't happen at the peril of other neighbours,” said Wood, who said there were other appropriate locations for the business to go.The commission unanimously denied the application because it wasn't being operated by the permanent residents of the dwelling, the use was too intense for a home business, and should instead, be moved to an industrial zone. The commission also moved to send notice to cease operations at the location.
