Requirements for Home Occupations
Home occupations as defined in Chapter 86 Division 7 may be conducted in any residential district as described and as set forth in this chapter, provided that all applicable licenses/business tax receipts are obtained. Before any local business tax receipt may be issued for any occupation in any residential zone, such occupation shall first meet each and all of the following requirements and standards:
- A floor plan showing the size, dimensions and space utilization for the proposed home occupation and this signed affidavit from the applicant stating that the proposed home occupation will comply with all of the requirements of Chapter 86 Division 7 shall accompany the license application.
- No home occupation shall occupy more space than 20 percent of the total floor area of a residence exclusive of any open porch, attached garage, or similar space not suited for or intended to be occupied as living quarters; provided, however, in no event shall such home occupation occupy more than 300 square feet.
- There shall be no visible evidence of the conduct of a home occupation within a dwelling unit. There shall be no display that will indicate from the exterior or from any vehicle that the building is being utilized in part for any purpose other than as a residence.
- Mechanical or electrical equipment shall not be employed other than machinery or equipment customarily found in the home associated with a hobby or a vocation conducted not for profit or machinery which is essential to normal domestic activities. Equipment or processes shall not be used in conjunction with a home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses on property adjacent or contiguous to or neighboring or surrounding such use. In the case of electrical interference, equipment or processes shall not be used which create visual or audible interference in the normal operation of radios, televisions, and similar equipment operated on property adjacent to such use.
- Commodities shall not be sold on the premises.
- Any vehicles used in connection with such home occupation must have separate off-street parking facilities in addition to those provided for the residence. Traffic shall not be generated by a home occupation in greater volume than normally expected in a residential neighborhood. A home occupation shall not provide services for more than two clients on the premises at any one time.
- Any deliveries made in connection with a home occupation shall be only of such limited duration and frequency as absolutely necessary to conduct the home occupation. Such deliveries shall be made only on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Any variations, exceptions, or exemptions from the provisions of this subsection must obtain prior approval from the appropriate town officials. In no event may a home occupation be allowed which involves the regular, prolonged or frequent delivery of any materials, supplies, goods, or chattels at a residence. In addition, no home occupation shall be allowed which involves any loading or unloading at a residence of any materials, supplies, goods, or chattels which are intended for sale or resale, whether on-site or off-site.
- Home occupations shall be carried on entirely within the dwelling and only by members of the family permanently residing within the dwelling unit.
- In no case shall more than one home business tax receipt be issued to any one person or location at one time.
- A home occupation shall be subject to all applicable town and other business taxes.
