The purpose of the home occupation regulations is to facilitate small unobtrusive business uses within a residence when such business is accessory to the residential use. By allowing home occupations with limitations, traditional businesses, which occur in the home, will be allowed to continue while protecting the residential character of the neighborhood.

Date Passed: Monday, May 8, 2006

Effective Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2006

ORD C33830 Section 8

A "home occupation" is a business or professional enterprise of such scale and method of operation as is incidental and accessory to the primary residential use of the premises where conducted; a commercial activity conducted within a residence by a member or members of a family residing therein which activity does not alter or detract from the residential character of the residence.

Date Passed: Monday, May 8, 2006

Effective Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2006

ORD C33830 Section 8

Structural alteration to accommodate the occupation is not permitted:

1. unless required by code, a separate outside access to the area devoted to the occupation is not permitted;

2. the occupation, including storage, does not occupy more than twenty-five percent of the residence's finished floor area, nor in any case more than two hundred square feet;

3. the occupation does not occupy any accessory structure, including an attached garage; 

4. the number of persons engaged in the home occupation may not exceed two persons. This may consist of either one family member and one nonfamily member or two family members;

5. The sign standards are stated in chapter 17C.240 SMC, Signs; 

6. There is no window or outdoor display.

7. Any stock of goods has been produced on the premises.

8. No use is made of equipment or material that produces vibration, noise, dust, smoke, odor, or electrical interference to the detriment of surrounding residences.

9. There are no deliveries or shipments to or from the premises of such quantities or frequency as would involve commercial motor vehicles or suggest a need for a customer parking area.

10. The property shall retain its residential appearance and character.

11. No commercial use of the streets shall be allowed as specified in SMC 17C.319.100.

Date Passed: Monday, January 29, 2018

Effective Date: Saturday, March 17, 2018

ORD C35576 Section 1

1. Examples of home occupation are:

1. 1. Barber or beautician.

1. 2. Dressmaking.

1. 3. Professional consulting.

1. 4. Custom floristry.

1. 5. Photography; or

1. 6. Repair of watches and small appliances.

2. Examples of activities which are not home occupations are:

1. 1. Automotive repair.

1. 2. Contractor’s storage area, including equipment and business vehicles stored on-site.

1. 3. Adult home or group home.

1. 4. Repair of large appliances or furniture.

1. 5. Tea room or reception spaces for rent including outdoor areas.

1. 6. Bed and breakfast or hostel – See chapter 17C.315 SMC, Bed and Breakfast; or

1. 7. Woodworking and cabinetry.

1. 8. Yard sales or garage sales – See SMC 10.45.030(B).

Date Passed: Monday, April 25, 2011

Effective Date: Friday, June 3, 2011

ORD C34717 Section 27