Originally published October 10 2005
Santa Monica will allow acupuncturists to work at home
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A new interpretation of the Home Occupation Permit Ordinance allows acupuncturists to work out of their homes, provided they follow a set of guidelines established by the City's Planning Commission, including one that stipulates they see no more than six clients in a single workday
Acupuncturists will have more places to stick their needles under a new interpretation of City rules that allow some professionals to work out of their homes.
In a narrow 4 to 1 vote, the Planning Commission Wednesday night reversed a zoning administrator's decision which denied a home occupation permit to Julie Chambers, a licensed acupuncturist who wants to see clients at her residence at 735 Navy Street.
Chambers' request was initially turned down in November 2004 by Planning Staff citing a zoning ordinance that expressly prohibits home "medical offices, clinics and laboratories."
Siding with the acupuncturist's lawyers who say their client's plans won't pose any hazards or inconvenience to neighbors, the commission decided that staff's interpretation of the home occupation ordinance was too narrow.
Their opinion was formalized Wednesday night when the commission passed a motion stating that acupuncturists are not precluded under the ordinance.
Those who provide counseling or therapy in their homes can only see one client at a time and no more than six clients in a day.
In addition, everyone who works out of their home must abide by 18 guidelines that preclude the dwelling from full commercial use.
* Delivery trucks are prohibited except for "reasonable courier services" and three-quarter ton pickup trucks.
* The home business cannot generate excessive traffic or excessive utility use.
* Parking for the business must be provided.
Not everyone can get a permit to work out of their house.
* Veterinarians and dog groomers * Car mechanics * Barbers and beauticians * Carpenters and cabinet makers * Gun dealers * Masseuses * Welders and machine operators * Also, no dancing schools, exercise studios, junk yards and storage of construction materials or equipment are allowed.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml