Home Occupation Zoning Clearance

Please read through the entire application process before proceeding.  There are multiple steps that must be completed with the Planning & Building Department as well as with the Tax Collector.

Home Occupation Clearance Application

The process to apply for a zoning clearance to run a business from your home that falls under the following categories:

  • Home Distributor (e.g. cosmetics)
  • Home Handcraft (e.g. pottery, jewelry)
  • Home Office
  • Personal Service (e.g. music lessons)

Home Occupation: Express vs. Regular

Some home occupations may qualify for an Express Home Occupation with a reduced fee, while other home occupations require a Regular Home Occupation fee. Link to Department's Fee Schedule: Fee Schedules

Your home occupation may qualify for the reduced fee if your business does not require any of the following at the property:

  • Clients or client vehicles to be present on site.
  • More than two (2) outgoing mail shipments per week.
  • More than two (2) incoming mail shipments per week.
  • More than one (1) vehicle on the property to operate or support the business.
  • Storage of materials, tools, or supplies to operate or support the business.
  • Physical changes to the property to operate or support the business.
  • Use of a garage or other accessory structure.
  • Sounds that are audible from off-site.
  • Sales occurring off-site.
  • The sale or keeping of animals.

Examples of businesses that may qualify for the Express Home Occupation reduced fee process include:

  • An online photo-editing business operated from a home office.
  • Online tutoring conducted from a home office.
  • Remote technical support conducted from a home office.

These examples are intended to illustrate the types of businesses that may qualify. The business must still meet all Express Home Occupation requirements.

Please Note: If your home occupation requires any of the activities or conditions listed above, you will be invoiced the regular Home Occupation fee. The Regular Home Occupation zoning clearance allows a broader range of uses involving a garage/accessory structure, limited client activity, handcrafts, personal instruction, and other activities, provided they satisfy the applicable standards in compliance with Section 22.30.230 and Section 23.08.030. 

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