LU 25-0002 Home Occupation Standards

Project Background / Summary: 

Home occupations are a type of business that is conducted from a residential dwelling unit. The City places zoning restrictions on home occupations, which are listed in the Accessory Structures and Uses section of the Community Development Code (LOC 50.03.004.1.b.ii). One of the zoning requirements states that  “The [home occupation] use does not alter the residential character of the neighborhood nor infringe upon the right of residents in the vicinity to the peaceful enjoyment of the neighborhood.” This language is not clear or objective. As a result, it can be difficult for home occupation applicants, the public, and Code Enforcement to understand the limitations of a home occupation. The purpose of this project is to replace this requirement with new code language that distills the concepts of “residential character” and “peaceful enjoyment of the neighborhood” into measurable, objective standards that provide a clear path for approval and ongoing compliance for home occupations.


 

Project Updates: 

12/08/2025

On Monday, December 8, 2025, the Commission adopted the Findings, Conclusions, and Order, the final recommendation. The adopted Findings are available in the Public Records Folder. The City Council public hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026. For more information regarding the Council's agenda and schedule, please contact Laural Hawkins, City Recorder, (503) 534-4225 or email.

Notices and hearing documents, can be found in the Public Records folder.


 

11/25/2025

On November 24, the Planning Commission made a preliminary recommendation that the City Council approve the proposed amendments as discussed and directed staff to return with the draft Findings, Conclusions and Order for consideration at its next meeting on December 8, 2025.


 

11/24/2025 - Public Hearing

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 24, 2025, to consider the proposed amendments. The public hearing notice and staff report are available in the Public Records Folder (when available).  

To visit the Planning Commission meeting webpage and view the agenda and video (when available), click here.

Instructions on how to comment and participate are provided in the notice.


 

10/07/2025 - Study Session 2

The City Council is scheduled to hold a Study Session on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.  The Council provide direction on which code concepts should be further refined and/or presented to the Planning Commission to update the City’s home occupation regulations..

To visit the City Council meeting webpage, use this link: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/citycouncil/city-council-meeting-82.


 

06/09/2025 Work Session #3

The Commission will review and provide input on updated code amendment concepts for Home Occupations and consider new regulations for agricultural uses in residential areas.

Documents are available in "Public Records" folder, click here.


 

04/14/2025 - Work Session #2

The Commission will review and provide input on draft amendments to standards in the Community Development Code regulating Home Occupations. The Commission will also receive an overview of recent survey results and City Council direction related to the project prior to conducting a public hearing.

Documents are available in "Public Records" folder, click here.


 

04/01/2025 - Study Session

The City Council is scheduled to hold a Study Session on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.  Staff is seeking direction on which code concepts should be further refined and/or presented to the Planning Commission to update the City’s home occupation regulations.

To visit the City Council meeting webpage, use this link: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/citycouncil/city-council-meeting-73.


 

01/27/2025 - Work Session #1

The Commission will conduct a work session on forthcoming updates to code standards related to home occupations.

Documents are available in "Public Records" file, click here.


06/18/2024 - Update

The Council provided direction to staff to update regulations related to home occupations to ensure that they are clear, objective, and enforceable at their meeting on June 18, 2024. 

To visit the City Council meeting webpage, use this link: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=2629474&repo=CityOfLakeOswego&cr=1.


 

Location
Lake Oswego City Hall - Council Chamber
380 A Ave
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Project Details
ID: 
LU 25-0002
Year: 
2025
Status: 
Active
Owner/Applicant: 
City of Lake Oswego (A)
Project Contact: 

Michael McNamee, Associate Planner

(503) 534-5245 or mmcnamee@ci.oswego.or.us

Reviewing Body: 
Hearing Date: 
Monday, November 24, 2025
Related Meetings

Dec 8 2025 - 6:30pm

Nov 24 2025 - 6:30pm

Jun 9 2025 - 6:30pm

Apr 14 2025 - 6:30pm

Apr 1 2025 - 5:30pm

Jan 27 2025 - 6:30pm

Related Links