About Advice > Work at home

Business Zoning

Business Zoning

Before investing too deeply, contact your local government for a copy of your zoning ordinance. If home-based businesses are allowed in your municipality, keep reading. If some or all are restricted, find out if a pre-existing clause might apply or if you have to ask your zoning board for a variance.

Once you learn that your business conforms to zoning regulations, it's important to keep up with any new proposals that may affect your situation. It's also a good idea to join business organizations and neighborhood groups in case you ever need to rally together to propose or oppose new regulations. Always maintain good relations with your neighbors - they could be vital should adverse regulations affecting your business ever be proposed.

An attorney can be very helpful with zoning issues. If in the unfortunate and unlikely event your business does not conform and you are given a cease and desist order, consult with an attorney who is familiar with the regulations and workings of the zoning and appeals boards.