What Zoning Laws Govern Home-Based Businesses?
While most zoning laws have adapted over the past 10 years to phase out restrictions on home-based businesses, current zoning codes still enforce a number of restrictions, including: • Physical Changes and Visibility – Zoning codes often prohibit exterior physical changes to the home for the purposes of conducting business. Outside business activities, storage, or displays are also prohibited, and signage or commercial vehicles may be restricted or prohibited. • Traffic – Most zoning codes restrict the numbers of visitors to a home-based business, and the number of employees working in the home. Some prohibit employees altogether. Business parking is also restricted. • External Effects – Most zoning codes restrict or prohibit nuisance impacts (e.g., noise, odors, glare), and/or prohibit use, or storage, of hazardous materials. • Business Activities – Many zoning codes prohibit certain types of businesses in residential areas. Zoning laws are determined by your city or county government
