It’s interesting how, even after more than three years on city council, I stumble on things that just don’t make sense. Back in 2017, the Utah Legislature passed a law limiting cities from charging license fees for home-based businesses. So, Ivins had to change its city code regarding these fees. But our City Council went a step further, repealing the entire city code chapter that regulated home based businesses.
That decision reflected the preferences of the City Council at the time, which leaned toward fewer regulations. Reining in unnecessary regulation is a good thing. But in hindsight, it may have gone further than necessary. State law (Utah Code 10-1-203(8)(a)) doesn’t prohibit all regulation, just excessive fees or restrictions on home businesses.
Now, as more home-based businesses operate across the city, including some that generate traffic, parking overflow, or visible activity, I’m hearing more concerns from neighbors. I believe it is time to bring back some regulations, not to burden small businesses, but to preserve the peace and character of our residential neighborhoods.
I believe we can adopt reasonable standards as long as we avoid fees and don’t interfere with businesses that operate quietly within the home. This isn’t about creating a heavy-handed system. It’s about restoring a few thoughtful safeguards that protect the peace and character of our neighborhoods, while also encouraging the kind of small, homegrown businesses that provide valuable services to our community and meaningful opportunities for their owners.
I’d really like to hear what you think. Should Ivins revisit this issue? What should we focus on?