We lost the appeal for our zoning violation last night. In essence the town of Durham ruled that because I wasn't actually living in my office (spending sleepless nights there doesn't count, apparently) I was in violation of the zoning ordinance. Apparently you have to brush your teeth, wash your face, pee, get dressed and make breakfast within a certain distance of your business to qualify as a "home occupation." Which raises some very interesting questions. If my "home occupation" is horse farm, do I have to sleep in the stall? The long story made short is that they encouraged me to come back and ask for a variance to allow my business to continue in the cabin. I informed then that I would do that when hell froze over.
Once again, the stark difference between the two towns in which I'm involved was made clear. Senator Gallus, the Senate representative of Coos County, came up to my office in Berlin yesterday morning and asked if he could give me a hug and personally thank me for bringing my business to Berlin. So for anyone else frustrated with zoning on the Seacoast -- I've got some really lovely office space in Berlin for you...


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