A home occupation is a business, profession, occupation or trade conducted for the personal gain or support of the residential occupant and conducted entirely within a residential building or accessory structure.

The Zoning Code prescribes certain limitations to home-based businesses:

• The primary purpose of the home must remain as a residence
• No more than 25% of the total floor area may be used for the business
• The business may not employ persons other than members of the family residing on the premises
• No goods, materials or commodities may be sold on the premises
• Parking for the business will be off the street
• Business related materials may not be stored outside the home (i.e. on the patio)
• The business may not generate more traffic than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood
• Exterior signs or displays, other than a name plate, are not permitted
• The home may not be altered in a way that changes its residential appearance
• Mechanical processes that create noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical interference detected by normal senses outside the home are not permitted
• Home occupations are subject to all applicable city ordinances and permits, but an occupation or business license is not required

Permitted Home Occupations

Customary home occupations include, but are not limited to:

• Architects, engineers, lawyers, realtors, insurance agents, brokers and members of similar professions
• Artists and sculptors
• Authors and composers
• Childcare providers of not more than four children
• Tailors
• Data entry or similar computer work
• Crafts or model making
• Music teachers
• Office facility of a person associated with a religious organization
• Office facility of a sales person/representative or manufacturer’s representative

For other uses as permitted by the Zoning Administrator please contact the Planning Department at (314) 872-2501.