HomeMy WebLinkAboutHome Occupation RegulationsWhy Regulate Home Occupations?
Home occupations in Iowa City are regulated
to allow only those businesses or uses that:
do not detract from the residential character of the neighborhood;
are limited in extent;
are compatible with residential use; and
are clearly subordinate to the use of the premises as a residence.
What Is a Home Occupation?
The business or professional use must be
clearly subordinate to the principal use of the dwelling as a residence, and the dwelling must
be the primary residence of the owner/operator of the home business. There are two types of
home occupation uses:
Type A occupations are those where a resident uses the dwelling as a place
of work but no employee or customers come to the site. For example: artists,
craftpersons, writers, consultants.
Type B occupations are those where a non-resident employee works or where
customers frequent the site on a regular basis. For example: counseling, tutoring,
hair styling.
Can Any Type of Business Be a Home Occupation?
No, certain types of businesses are specifically
prohibited as home occupations. These include: adult business uses, veterinary clinics
and kennels, commercial recreational uses, commercial parking, eating and drinking
establishments, medical/dental offices (except for psychiatrists, psychologists, chiropractors
and physical/massage therapists), self-service storage, industrial service or any use which
changes the fire safety occupancy separation classification requirements for the structure.
Also prohibited is any type of repair or assembly of vehicles or equipment with internal
combustion engines (such as automobiles, motorcycles, scooters, snowmobiles, outboard
marine engines, lawn mowers, chain saws and other small engines) or large appliances (such
as washing machines, dryers and refrigerators) or any other work related to automobiles and
their parts.
What Are the Limitations?
A home occupation can be placed in the
principal dwelling unit or in an accessory
building for that dwelling unit. However,
the space dedicated to home occupation
cannot exceed 25% of the total floor area
of the principal dwelling. There can be no
indication from the exterior of the dwelling
unit or accessory building (such as noise,
odor, smoke, dust, excessive outdoor lighting
or outdoor storage of materials) that there
is a home occupation use on the premises.
No customers or deliveries to the home
occupation use are permitted before 7:00
AM or after 10:00 PM. No commodities
may be sold on the premises except for
those produced on the premises or those
associated with the home occupation
conducted on the premises. For example: a
hair salon may sell beauty products. Type B
home occupations are limited to 10 clients or
customers a day.
Is a Permit from the City Required?
A permit is not required for a Type A home occupation. A permit is required for a Type B home occupation. An application for a Type B home occupation is available from the Housing and Inspection Services Department. Once the application has been reviewed and the fee paid, the permit can be issued.
Is a Permit/License Required from the State?
Maybe. If your business involves food, you
may need a license and should contact the Johnson County Health Department, 1105
Gilbert Court, or call 319-356-6040.
For questions regarding a sales tax permit
and sales tax identification numbers, call the Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance
at 1-800-367-3388. For employer/federal identification numbers, call the Internal
Revenue Service at 1-800-829-1040.
What About Traffic and Parking?
A home occupation does not require any
additional parking other than what is required for the residential use. However, the business
cannot generate a greater volume or type of traffic than what is normally expected
in the zone in which it is located. Nor can it necessitate parking in excess of what is
normally expected in the zone in which it is located. Vehicles used for delivery and pick
up are limited to those normally servicing residential neighborhoods. Commercial
vehicles more than 7.5 feet in height cannot be stored in residential zones and therefore
cannot be used for a home occupation.
Is Signage Allowed?
A home occupation is allowed one (1) non-
illuminated sign not to exceed one (1) square foot. The sign must be attached to the
dwelling or the accessory building. It may not be placed in the yard.
Is a Non-Resident Employee Allowed?
Non-resident employees are prohibited except one non-resident employee may be permitted
if approved by the Building Official through the minor modification process. The minor
modification application is made through the Housing and Inspection Services Department.
Home
Occupation
Regulations
This information
should answer many of
the questions you may
have about opening
a business in your
home. If, after reading
through the following
information, you still
have questions or
need help, please
contact the Housing
and Inspection
Services Department
at 356-5120.
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