The details of zoning laws and the relation to home based businesses vary considerably from one jurisdiction to the next. Important factors that will affect the answer include the number of employees, if any, the presence of business visitors, the hours of operation, the issue of parking, etc. It would be prudent to investigate the details of these laws before deciding to establish a business based in your home, as these will considerably affect the way in which your business is run. Some places even have mandatory license fees. 

 

Some zoning laws do not allow for any home based businesses; while they may turn a blind eye to something like a software developer whose work is based at home, due to the unobtrusive nature of this, technically, it is still illegal. In locales where home based business are allowed, certain regulations still apply. Some common ones include:

 

-The town may regulate the specific types of businesses which can be run from a home (common examples include dentistry, music, beauty salon, music lessons, tutoring, etc)

 

-The amount of floor space dedicated to the business may be limited.

 

-The hours of operation may be limited.

 

-On-street parking may be limited or restricted.

 

-Employees may be prohibited or restricted in number.

 

-A separate business entrance may be either required or prohibited.

 

-Advertising signs may be prohibited.