Zoning problems?

[Steve]

Have you run into zoning problems with parking your commercial vehicles at your home in a residential zone?

Local landscaper takes Bruce Township, Regius to court in fight to remain open (http://www.romeoobserver.com/story.asp?storyid=6825)- Officials gave Soulliere 30 days to move his landscaping business from its Ebeling Road location, or face a lawsuit, last March.
Both township officials and Regius were served their court summonses days before the 30 day deadline ended.
The 28-year-old has been going back and forth with officials regarding his business, Soulliere Yard Care & Landscaping, since October.
The township contends Soulliere has been operating an illegal nonconforming business in an area zoned for R-1<a residential zoning for single-family units.
Any business operating from the property that would have been considered legal nonconforming, has since been expanded on, negating the right to continue, township officials have said.

[tiedeman]

I look at it this way, if the business is registered at that home, and he parks a lot of equipment there, then he should conform to the zoning law, but if the business is registered at a different location, and he only parks his truck there, or even perhaps leaves the equipment in the garage, what is the big deal I feel

[Steve]

Do you ever hear of other business owners in your area being ticketed for this?

[tiedeman]

None hear.

There are some communities, basically private subdivisions around here though that have similar rules to that.