Home-Based Businesses

If your answer to all of the statements below is yes, your home-based business is a Type I business.

If your answer to any of the statements below is no, your business is a Type II business.

• Work is conducted only by residents of the home.
• No customers or employees come to the site.
• No deliveries are made to the site apart from regular mail or parcel delivery.
• Business takes place only within the home or garage.
• No more than half the total floor area is used in connection with the business.
• No signs promote the business.
• No one can detect, from abutting residences or public rights-of-way, that the home is used for any non-dwelling purpose.
• The business doesn't change the occupancy classification as prescribed by the residential building code.
• No materials or equipment associated with the business are stored outside. 
• No hazardous materials are stored that are not normally found in a residence. 
• No commercially licensed ¾ ton vehicles are parked at the residence in connection with the business.
• No noise, vibrations, heat, glare, or visual or audible electrical interference is generated or detectable beyond the dwelling's property line.
• No vehicle repair, maintenance or dismantling, vehicle sales, employee/crew staging or industrial activities take place on the property.

If your business meets all of the above criteria:

• Complete the Type I application checklist (you'll be asked to attach this to your online application)
• Apply for a home-based business license

A Type II permit is required when a home-based business:

• Involves customers or clients visiting the residence of the applicant
• Includes non-family members or non-residents as employees
• Will receive deliveries other than those made by small-scale carriers normally found in residential areas, such as the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx or courier service
• Will remain within the confines of the dwelling unit or garage

1. Before applying for a home-based business license, read the following:

• Development Code Article 10 (see section 10.0500)
• Type II information sheet and checklist
• Type II application timeline

2. Next, review and complete the following before applying for a permit:

Note: You will be asked to attach this information to your online application.

• Development permit application
• Additional application materials
• Fees

Apply for a permit.

3. Lastly, apply for a business license.

After you receive approval for a Type II permit from Urban Design and Planning, you can apply for your home-based business license. Note: You will be asked to include the planning case number provided as part of your Type II permit approval from the City.

Contact us

While not required, applicants may schedule a pre-application meeting with City staff to review the proposal's compliance with the City's code standards. 

To schedule a meeting, contact Permit Services at 503-618-2845.