The City of Alpine is currently considering an ordinance for "home occupations." I appreciate the areas of the proposed ordinance changes that reduce existing restrictions. I believe that the goal of this ordinance should be to maintain the residential nature and character of neighborhoods. This could be accomplished by restricting specific actions which would be damaging to the neighborhood such as:

    * workers and/or customers parking in front of a neighbor's residence
    * persistent and/or excessively loud noises
    * noxious or hazardous odors
    * creating a fire hazard

Flexibility regarding home-based occupations would be accomplished by adopting clear and concise language such as:
 
"Home occupations, including limited wholesale and/or retail sales, are permissible. Activities related to the home occupation that does not generate noticeably greater traffic, noise, or other nuisances, and/or hazardous conditions are permissible. The home occupation is acceptable as long as it does not affect the outward appearance of the residence or the character of the neighborhood."

Contact the Mayor and the appropriate City Council person to voice your position regarding the changes to the home occupation ordinance:

Mayor - Jerry Johnson
1100 N. Bird
(432) 837-5139

Ward 1 - Council Member Angie Bermudez
1703 N. 5th
(432) 837-7187
angela_wardone@yahoo.com

Ward 2 - Council Member Johanna Nelson
305 W. Gallego
(432) 837-5736

Ward 3 - Council Member Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald
1109 W. Del Rio
(432) 386-7096
geofitz23@yahoo.com

Ward 4 - Council Member Manuel Payne
1604 E Avenue H
(432) 837-3763
ward4@ci.alpine.tx.us

Ward 5 - Council Member Diana Asgeirsson
P.O. Box 672
(432) 837-3324
(432) 294-0516 (Cell)
da-officework@sbcglobal.net

Bernie Zelazny
Alpine, TX