Home business zoning proposal is pulled in Ashland

Business representatives welcomed that change, but were surprised.

"The Planning Board is holding a public hearing and they're not even aware of the final draft," Teller said.

While the town had pledged to grandfather existing home businesses that were compliant, businesses owners said it would be impossible because the town lacks an up-to-date list and the staff to maintain one.

Morini said the vast majority of complaints about home businesses have to do with landscapers and contractors. Town officials said most other businesses are just people working on computers from home, which garner no complaints. Business owners pressed the board to pair any changes with rules on parking equipment in residential neighborhoods.

They asked to postpone the measure until spring Town Meeting so the town could spend more time working on the changes.