Home Based Businesses and Occupations

A growing number of businesses are based out of a home in the United States. Whether you are looking to start a home-based business or occupation, or already own one and are looking to move to Carroll Valley, please be aware of the requirements for home-based businesses and occupations.

In Carroll Valley, all zoning districts allow for “no impact home-based businesses” and “home occupations”, with a proper permit.   To obtain a Home Based Business / Occupation Permit, you must comply with all rules and regulations. 

General Rules

• NO EMPLOYEES. Unless for the purposes of group instruction, assembly, or activity; individuals other than family are not permitted to engage in the operation of your home-based business
• STILL YOUR HOME. Homes must be primarily used for living, and only 25% of the gross floor area may be dedicated to a home-based business INCLUDING no equipment or process that creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference off the lot is permitted.
• THE NEIGHBORS CAN'T TELL YOU HAVE A BUSINESS. The home's exterior may not be changed to indicate that a home is anything other than a home.  This includes no exterior storage of materials or equipment and no parking, signs, or lights.
• NO RETAIL SALES. No products may be sold on the premises in connection with the home-based business including no display or sale of retail goods and no stockpiling of inventory
• NO ADDED VEHICLE TRAFFIC. No traffic is permitted to be created by a home-based business in greater volumes than normally expected in a residential neighborhood—any parking generated by the business should be off the street and not in yards.

Residents considering establishing home-based businesses and occupations (and those who already have) should contact Carroll Valley Borough to ensure that they meet all zoning and permitting requirements.