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What is a Home Occupation Permit?

A Home Occupation Permit is issued by the City to allow residents the opportunity to conduct a business and/or provide professional services out of their home, provided the use is clearly incidental or secondary to the use of the home for residential purposes

How can I obtain a Home Occupation Permit?

Any resident wishing to conduct a business out of their home must complete an application for a Home Occupation Permit. Applications may be obtained at the Development Services Building.

How soon may I expect to receive the Home Occupation Permit?

Upon receipt of a complete application and associated filing fees, the Director of Environmental Services will review the application for compliance with the Home Occupation Ordinance.  The Director's decision for approval or denial will occur within 14 days after the receipt of the complete application.

What are the limitations for conducting a business from my home?

All Home Occupation Permits are subject to the following limitations:

• No signs relating to the home occupation;
• Home Occupation Permits are not transferable;
• Only residents of the home may conduct work associated with the Home Occupation Permit;
• The home may not be altered in any way that changes its residential character or appearance especially if the change could advertise that a business is conducted from there;
• No more than 20% of the floor area of the home may be used for the home occupation. The area used for the home business shall not have an exterior entrance;
• A garage may be used for limited storage; carport or accessory buildings may not be used for the home occupation use;
• The home occupation may not generate any additional auto or foot traffic beyond normal residential use;
• No equipment or process used in the home occupation shall generate noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or create visual or audible electrical interference with radio or television reception outside the home;
• No storage of merchandise or equipment on the premises. However, supplies used in the home occupation may be stored in the home occupation area;
• No use of materials or mechanical equipment not part of the normal residential use;
• No use of utilities beyond normal residential use;
• No commercial delivery with the exception of parcel service and the U.S. mail;
• No overnight parking of commercial vehicles over 5 tons within the residential area in which the home occupation occurs; and,
• No use of explosives or highly combustible materials or storage of hazardous material.

In addition, only businesses and professional services that do not involve the presence of more than one client at a time may be conducted out of the home.

What type of businesses are prohibited from being conducted out of the home?

Many types of businesses are prohibited from being operated in the home including, but not limited to:

• Repair, servicing or manufacturing of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, boats or their engines;
• Repair or fix-it shops;
• Harboring, training, breeding, raising or grooming of dogs, cats, or other animals. (Some exceptions are permitted. Please consult with City Staff);
• Processing, packaging, handling or selling of food. (This prohibition does not apply to pre-packaged non-perishable food); and,
• Healing Arts (patients on the premises).

Home Occupation Permits are subject to review for compliance with the Home Occupation Ordinance.  Should a violation of the ordinance occur, the permit is subject to revocation.