Home businesses across the DC area
Can I run a business from home? The rules differ at every jurisdiction line. Here is the short answer for each.
Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.
| Where | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | A home business needs a Home Occupation Permit. It may use up to 25% of the home (reported as no more than 250 sq ft), have up to two non-resident employees and about eight client visits a day. |
| Montgomery County, MD | Three tiers: no-impact (5 visits a week, no in-person sales) needs registration. Low-impact (1 non-resident employee, 20 visits a week, a third of eligible space up to 1,500 sq ft). Major-impact (2 non-resident employees, 35 visits a week, 8 a day) needs conditional use approval. |
| Prince George's County, MD | Home occupations need a use and occupancy permit. Up to 25% of the home (max 5,000 sq ft), two non-resident employees, no outdoor storage and no exterior signs of business. |
| Alexandria, VA | Home occupations may use up to 25% of the home, with up to two employees, 12 patrons or students a day (two at a time, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.), no signs and no outside storage. |
| Arlington County, VA | A home occupation needs a signed agreement with the zoning administrator. No signs, one non-resident worker at a time, 12 clients a day (4 at once), and no more than 25% of the house. |
| Fairfax County, VA | Most home businesses need a $140 administrative permit: up to 400 sq ft, one non-resident employee at a single-family house, and no customers except small instruction (4 at a time, 8 a day). Bigger operations need a BZA special permit. |
Towns and cities inside these counties (for example, Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bowie, Laurel, Herndon, Vienna, and Falls Church) have their own rules.