Land records · Parcel maps · October 6, 2026
What Is a Home Occupation Permit? Home Business Rules
What is a home occupation permit? Zoning approval to run a business from your home, usually with limits on signs, employees, customers, and space used.
What is a home occupation permit? A home occupation permit is a zoning approval that lets you run a business from your home in a residential district. Zoning codes allow home businesses as long as they stay secondary to the residential use and do not change the neighborhood’s character. Typical rules limit signs, non-resident employees, customer visits, outdoor storage, and the share of the home used for business. Many low-impact businesses, like remote office work, may need no permit or a simple registration, while businesses with clients or employees often need a permit. This page is general land-records background, not legal advice.
Typical limits
| Rule | Common approach |
|---|---|
| Signs | None or a small sign |
| Employees | Residents only or a small number of non-residents |
| Customers | Limited visits, often by appointment |
| Floor area | Limited share of the home |
| Outdoor storage | Usually prohibited |
| Traffic and parking | No significant increase |
| Nuisances | No noise, odor, or hazardous materials |
Allowed vs prohibited businesses
Offices, tutoring, crafts, and online businesses are commonly allowed. Auto repair, large retail, restaurants, and businesses with many customers may be prohibited or need a conditional use permit. See what is a conditional use permit.
How to apply
- Check your zoning district. See how to find zoning of a property.
- Read the home occupation rules in the zoning code.
- Submit an application with a description of the business.
- Pay the fee and wait for approval.
- Renew if required.
Business license vs home occupation permit
A business license or registration is separate from zoning approval. You may need both, plus state licenses for regulated professions.
Accessory buildings
Using a detached garage or shed for business may be allowed, restricted, or counted toward floor area limits. See what is an accessory structure.
HOA and deed restrictions
Covenants may prohibit or limit home businesses. See how to find deed restrictions.
Enforcement
Operating without required approval can lead to complaints, fines, or orders to stop. Neighbors often report traffic or noise.
Common home businesses and likely approvals
Freelance writing, design, consulting, and online sales with shipping by mail usually fit within home occupation rules with little or no review. Tutoring, music lessons, and hair or nail services involve visiting clients, so they often need a permit with limits on hours and appointments. Child care is commonly regulated separately by state licensing and local zoning. Businesses with heavy equipment, large deliveries, or several employees coming and going are the most likely to be denied or redirected to a commercial location.
Selling the home later
Home occupation permits are often personal to the applicant and may not transfer to a buyer. A buyer planning to run a business should check the rules themselves rather than rely on the seller’s approval.
Bottom line
A home occupation permit lets you run a business from your home under limits on signs, employees, customers, and space. Low-impact businesses may need little or no approval. Check zoning, business license, and HOA rules before starting. Find county zoning offices via the Platbookmapper map.
What is a home occupation permit FAQ
Do I need a permit to work from home?
Remote office work often doesn’t; businesses with clients may.
Can I have employees at a home business?
Usually limited to residents or a small number of others.
Can I put a sign up for my home business?
Often only a small sign or none.
Is a home occupation permit the same as a business license?
No, they are separate approvals.
Can my HOA stop my home business?
Covenants may restrict home businesses.