A Red Deer County sand blasting business will have to set up shop elsewhere.
The municipal planning commission unanimously rejected on Tuesday a home business application for the business about six km southeast of Red Deer.
The business came to the attention of the county after it was found to be operating without a permit.
The company that also does coating, foam spraying, and flood fighting and control was told to apply for a permit and during that process, neighbours were contacted.
Many complaints were received by the county from nearby landowners who were concerned about excessive noise, paint odour and the potential for water, soil and air contamination.
A number of residents said that type of business should be in an industrial area.
Commission member Coun. Don Nesbitt said the business didn’t meet the intent of bylaws for home businesses and was being used as a rental industrial space.
County Mayor Jim Wood said while he generally supports allowing new business growth, it can’t be allowed to happen at the expense of neighbours, adding the operation did not meet the requirements for a home business.
“It doesn’t meet many of the requirements, not just one,” he said.
County planning staff had recommended the home business application be turned down because the company, which was not named, is not operated by the landowner and the use is too intense to be considered a home business. The firm should be located in an industrial area, recommended planners.
A stop work order will be issued to the business until it moves to a better location.
The commission also dealt with another business that had raised neighbour concerns.
A home business application was received for a carpentry and oilfield business on property located just south of Pine Lake. A call for comment from neighbours drew a letter of concern about the smell from a lacquer process.
Wood asked if permit conditions would ensure that proper ventilation was in place so neighbours aren’t bothered.
Development officer Tara March said a condition of the permit is that nuisances, including noise, odour and dust, not be created.
“At all times, the privacy and enjoyment of adjacent residences shall be preserved,” reads the condition.
Wood said he was “still not confident that that clause will ensure that we will control the paint smell.”
Commission chairman Coun. George Gehrke said the condition should provide the necessary safeguards.
“It is enforceable,” he said.
The commission unanimously approved the application.
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com