Home Occupation Permits

Forms Available

Home Occupation Permits

Home occupation is defined as “an accessory use of a dwelling unit for gainful employment.”

Home occupations are permitted provided that they do not detract from the residential character of a neighborhood and will not cause excessive traffic, nuisance or hazards to safety. A home occupation business must meet the following regulations as outlined in the City Code 18.210.035:

  • The use or activity is conducted by a resident of the dwelling.
  • Not more than one employee who is not a resident of the dwelling at any one time.
  • The exterior of the dwelling shall not be changed or modified in any way, nor shall any exterior signs be erected that will indicate any accessory use of the property nor adversely affect the residential character of the neighborhood.
  • The sale of any commodity, goods or products on the premises is prohibited.
  • All equipment, materials, work in progress and work areas shall be confined to the principal dwelling and not extend into an attached or detached garage or storage building.
  • The projection of any obnoxious sound, odor, smoke, vibration, light or dust is prohibited.
  • The home occupation shall not occupy more than 25 percent of the total floor area (including a basement) of the dwelling, excluding any attached garage.
  • The home occupation shall not be available or open to the public except during the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
  • The home occupation shall not create a need for off-street parking, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, sanitary sewer and storm sewer usage, public water usage as well as other municipal services in excess of the normal and usual levels for other residential dwellings.
  • Only one such accessory use or activity shall be carried on in a dwelling during the period authorized by a home occupation permit.

Prior to the establishment of a home occupation, the owner(s) of the property must submit an application to Development Services.

The Process

  • Owners submit an applic​ation to the Planning Division.
  • The Zoning Inspector will contact the owner to schedule an inspection to ensure that all conditions and requirements are met.
  • The Planning Division will notify the owner of status of application.
  • Home owners will submit payment for permit.
  • The Home Occupation Permit is issued and is required to be on display within the interior of the dwelling and at the location of the proposed activity.

A few things to remember

  • Home occupation permits may be issued to a tenant or occupant of a dwelling who is to be engaged in the accessory use or activity, provided the owners of the property have endorsed and/or certified the application.
  • Home occupation permits are not transferable or assignable.
  • Discontinuance or abandonment of the home occupation for 60 days or more will render the permit void
  • The Planning Director shall have the right to inspect the premises of a Home Occupation Permit at any reasonable time.
  • Home occupation permits can be deemed invalid for non-compliance.
  • Revocation of any Home Occupation Permit require a one year waiting period for a new permit.