The Rochester Planning Board would like to see more home-based businesses in town, but after hearing concerns from residents over the possible “nuisance” growing businesses can be to neighbors, the board members agreed to review their plans to amend zoning bylaws.

On March 13 Rochester resident, Mark Wellington, said he was concerned with the possibility for a home-based business to expand. This, Wellington said, can become a “nuisance” to neighbors if clear definitions of the bylaws are not met.

The Planning Board’s proposed amendments to the "home business" bylaws require that the business, which may include an additional structure on the property such as a barn, cannot exceed 1,000 square feet in size. The business must also be located at least 40 feet from an abutter’s property line.

Planning Board Chair, Arne Johnson, said the proposed amendments should prevent a problem between neighbors, but added that the board is working on amending the existing home business bylaws to create a more “balanced set of bylaws.”

Johnson said the board would weigh the two sides of the issue.

One is to take into consideration the growing number home businesses in town, as well as how an increased number of businesses in town could help offset the tax burden on property owners.

The second side of the issue, he said, is to prevent any expanding business from becoming a concern among abutters of the property.

Board member Susan Teal said it is important that the amendments be able to accomplish both goals.

“Having too much traffic flow from a retail-type business being operated from a residential neighborhood is something that must be considered,” Teal said. “We want to encourage people to work from home. We live in a beautiful place where you can stay home, go to Matt's Blackboard for lunch and run a successful business right here in town. But we need to be sure we don't create a nuisance to neighbors.”

The board will continue their discussion of the "home business" bylaws during their next meeting on March 27.