CLAREMONT — The Zoning Board of Adjustment on Monday quickly and unanimously approved a special exception for a home wine-making business in a residence on Nel-Mar Heights.
Stanley Marro of 22 Nel-Mar Heights has been producing wine at home for several years as a hobby and now plans to establish a business that would sell his wine and also hold wine tastings and wine-making classes.
City Planner Austin Ford told the board at Monday’s zoning board meeting that a special exception is required for home occupations in a residential zone.
The only question from the board was about the volume of traffic on the dead-end street. Marro said he does not expect the maximum number of people at any of his events to exceed eight and he expects far fewer people will drive to and from the business than drive up Nel-Mar Heights to see Christmas decorations.
Before voting to approve the application, board chairman Michael Hurd reviewed the criteria under the zoning regulations for a special exception.
Hurd said the business would not adversely affect property values, presents no hazards or additional burden on city services, does not increase traffic nor pose any health or safety hazards.