The Zoning Ordinance provides for certain businesses to be conducted within a home.  When permitted, these businesses are of small scale and do not change the character or appearance of the residential neighborhood.

The Urban Area Zoning Ordinance (UAZO) includes a list of permitted home occupations.  In general, you may not have a retail business in a neighborhood setting.  Home occupations are typically administrative, personal services, or hand production of small items.  Examples are home offices (accountant, attorneys, physicians, secretarial services).  Other common home occupations are day care, beauty shops and production home crafted items.

A complete application on forms provided by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is required along with an application fee, a written narrative, and a detailed site plan.

The zoning ordinance includes twelve conditions which all permitted home occupations must meet.  In summary, these conditions are as follows:

The home occupation is conducted inside , on a property which is the residence of the person conducting the business.

1. The home remains the principal of the property.
2. No outside changes to the appearance of the home.
3. The business does not affect the normal residential character of the neighborhood.
4. The home occupation does not generate more traffic than would be expected in a neighborhood.
5. No outside storage or displays.
6. No change in fire treating due to equipment.
7. Electrical equipment does not exceed FCC standards for residential use.
8. Does not increase water or sewerage usage beyond normal residential average.
9. Business license required.
10. No employees beyond immediate family.
11. Any items sold must be produced on site and by hand

One of the most important criteria for the home occupation is that the neighborhood appearance not be changed by the approval of a home occupation.  To address this concern, only one small nameplate is allowed to be displayed to announce the home occupation.  This nameplate sign is limited to a maximum of two square feet in size and cannot be illuminated.

Any alterations to the residence should not change the nature of the home to the extent that the structure could not be used as a home in the future.

If your home occupation requires zoning review with either a Class (2) or (3) review process, a planner will prepare a staff report and recommendation to the Administrative Official.

Table Of Permitted Home Occupations