To operate a business in your home, you must obtain a home occupation permit as well as a business license. Businesses permitted range from a simple office to a handyman service to a floral delivery service. There is a one-time fee of $50 for a home occupation permit. For information, call the Planning and Zoning Department, 703-255-6341. A home occupation is permitted in any residential zone provided that the business complies with the following regulations:

• Is operated entirely within the home.
• Employs no person other than a member of the immediate family living in the home.
• Creates no external evidence of the home occupation, including any advertisement other than a name plate no larger than 1.5 square feet in area.
• Does not use more than 25% of the gross livable floor area, including the basement.
• Does not use any internal combustion engine as a power source and does not use more than a total of three horsepower in electric motors.
• Will not emit any excess sounds, odors, or smoke beyond the property.
• No merchandise may be sold on the premises.
• Customers or clients may call by appointment only.
• All merchandise and equipment must be stored inside the home.
• Deliveries to and from the home may be made only between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• Is not a boarding house, tourist home, massage therapist or massage therapy establishment, or principal office of a real estate business.

For more information, email the Planning and Zoning Department or call 703-255-6341.