http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-
2005/October-2005/10_07_05_Commission_Approves_Acupuncture.htm

By Gene Williams
Staff Writer

October 7 -- Acupuncturists will have more places to stick their
needles under a new interpretation of City rules that allow some
professionals to work out of their homes.

In a narrow 4 to 1 vote, the Planning Commission Wednesday night
reversed a zoning administrator's decision which denied a home
occupation permit to Julie Chambers, a licensed acupuncturist who
wants to see clients at her residence at 735 Navy Street.

Ms. Chambers' request was initially turned down in November 2004 by
Planning Staff citing a zoning ordinance that expressly prohibits
home "medical offices, clinics and laboratories."

But the commissioners took a different view, saying that Chambers'
prickly profession fits into exceptions to the rule that
allow "psychologists, speech therapists and other professionals" to
practice in their homes on a limited basis.

Siding with the acupuncturist's lawyers who say their client's plans
won't pose any hazards or inconvenience to neighbors, the commission
decided that staff's interpretation of the home occupation ordinance
was too narrow.

Their opinion was formalized Wednesday night when the commission
passed a motion stating that acupuncturists are not precluded under
the ordinance.

The motion passed with only the necessary four votes. Commissioner
Darrell Clarke cast the one dissenting vote. Commissioners Gwynne
Pugh and Barbara Brown were absent.

But don't expect to see thriving acupuncture offices popping up all
over the neighborhood.

Those who provide counseling or therapy in their homes can only see
one client at a time and no more than six clients in a day.

In addition, everyone who works out of their home must abide by 18
guidelines that preclude the dwelling from full commercial use.
Below are some of those rules:

Only residents are allowed to work in the house; this excludes
employees other than babysitters and domestic staff.
Delivery trucks are prohibited except for "reasonable courier
services" and three-quarter ton pickup trucks.
The home business cannot generate excessive traffic or excessive
utility use.
Parking for the business must be provided.
No storage of non-household materials.
No signs or advertising.
No sales or displays of goods on the premises.
Not everyone can get a permit to work out of their house. Prohibited
occupations include:

Veterinarians and dog groomers
Car mechanics
Barbers and beauticians
Carpenters and cabinet makers
Gun dealers
Masseuses
Welders and machine operators
Also, no dancing schools, exercise studios, junk yards and storage
of construction materials or equipment are allowed.
Unless an appeal is made to the Planning Commission's action, the
new interpretation of the Home Occupation Permit ordinance will take
effect October 20.