Title
A MOTION requesting the executive review home occupation and home industry regulations and update as necessary to account for workforce and business operation changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic; and requiring a report.
Body
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed how businesses in King County operate, and
WHEREAS, over one-third of households nationwide reported working from home more frequently than before the COVID-19 pandemic, and
WHEREAS, the existing home occupation regulations do not contemplate changes in the work environment including remote work, changing consumer preferences and technological shifts; and
WHEREAS, many businesses continue to have work from home policies, citing changes in employee preferences and the resurgence of positive COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The council requests that the executive conduct a review of the county's home occupation and home industry regulations in K.C.C. Chapter 21A.30 and update the code as necessary to account for workforce and business operation changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
B. The study should include the following:
1. An analysis of uses that are permitted and prohibited under a home occupation and home industry permit, and how current business practices fit within those uses;
2. An analysis of whether changes are necessary to address employer work from home policies;
3. An analysis of home occupation and home industry standards related to number of employees, customer and client visits, and traffic, and whether existing standards are appropriate under current conditions; and
4. Any other issues identified by the executive as a result of the large number of people shifting to work from home permanently.
C. The executive shall prepare a report summarizing the completed review described in this motion and any code changes necessary to implement the recommendations in th...

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