Home Occupations

In this age of computers, an ever-increasing number of us are able to work at home. Before you consider starting a home-based business, which is called a “home occupation” in the Zoning Ordinance, there are a few things you should know. Section 6.4.1 of the Zoning Ordinance includes certain standards that are intended to assure that home occupations will not impact the residential character of our homes and neighborhoods. For example, only residents of the dwelling are permitted to be employed in the home occupation. Also, there are very specific limits to the amount of area in the dwelling that can be used for home occupation purposes. In essence, there should be no external evidence, other than perhaps a permitted sign, that the dwelling is being used for anything other than residential purposes.