Home Occupation
Running your business out of your home is a great way to save on rent and commuting. Since your home is more than likely to be zoned for a residential use, there are a few restrictions on what type and how much commercial activity you can conduct, which helps to ensure that your business doesn't negatively impact your neighbors. Because of this, home-based businesses work best for small enterprises without many employees, deliveries, or customers who need to visit the office.
If you are planning to have a home-based office, please keep in mind a few city regulations:
- The commercial activity associated with your business cannot be visible from outside – for instance, no signs or window/outside displays.
- You may only have one employee working in the office who does not live in the home.
- You may only have two deliveries and pick ups to your office per day and cannot park or store commercial vehicles on site.
- You may not use mechanized equipment that wouldn't normally be used in a residential setting.
- You may only have one client visit per hour between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
If you have clients or employees review whether your office is accessible to for persons with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you use part of your home for business you may be able to deduct expenses for the business use of your home. Check with the IRS or your accountant for more information.
Given the above regulations, the city has identified a number of business types that are may not be conducted in a home office. You may learn more about Zoning Regulation of Home Occupations here, or visit the City's Development Services Center for more information.