NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Musicians, hair stylists, chefs and others called for a change in Nashville law that would allow them to work from home.
People lined up and phoned into the Metro Council meeting Tuesday night to provide feedback on a bill that would allow licensed business owners to meet clients in their homes.
Nashville law prohibits a lot of people from working from home if they don’t have a permit from codes. Even with a permit, business owners are prohibited from seeing clients.
One of the bill’s sponsors, Council Member Dave Rosenberg, said the current law is outdated. This bill would designate the types of businesses that can operate from home. There will be restrictions including the number of clients that can be served, and the hours of operation. Business owners must also comply with noise regulations and HOA bylaws.
The majority of people who addressed the Metro Council supported the bill. Many argued that a lot of musicians have lost income due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and now is the time to make a change that will allow them to work at home.
“There are many people here who need to be able to work from home studios to support ourselves, and rebuild businesses,” said one person.
“If we are to change with the times, Nashville must be at the forefront to embrace this change now, and support home occupations to successfully operate,” added another person.
Opponents had concerns about how this change will impact neighborhoods. Some said if businesses are operating in residential areas this will bring noise, extra traffic and parking issues. They also worried investors will buy homes and turn them into businesses, and it will be difficult to enforce.
“When you see regular commercial activity in the home across the street, how are you supposed to convince codes that the owner isn’t actually living there?” asked one opponent.
Some opponents asked the Metro Council to hold off on voting on the bill. Council Members voted against that possibility.
The Metro Council approved the bill on second reading, but it still needs to pass a third and final vote.
