Roanoke County, VA Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Customer limit
- One customer at a time
- Animal limit
- Eight animals per day maximum
- Housing rule
- Animals must be kept indoors
- License
- Roanoke County business license required
- Governing section
- Zoning Ordinance § 30-82-3(B)
- Penalty
- $10-$2,500 fine, § 30-22
Summary
Roanoke County allows pet grooming as a home occupation under its zoning ordinance, but caps it at one customer at a time and eight animals per day, with all animals kept indoors. The groomer also needs a Roanoke County business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue before opening, like any other home occupation.
7.No equipment or process shall be used in a home occupation which creates noise in excess of 60 dB(A) measured at the property line, or vibration, glare, fumes, odors, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the premises or through common walls. ... 10.Pet grooming may be allowed as a home occupation. It shall be limited to one (1) customer at a time, and a maximum of eight (8) animals per day. Any animals associated with this permitted home occupation must be kept indoors. ... 12.All home occupations shall be required to obtain a Roanoke County Business License from the Commissioner of the Revenue.
Full Breakdown
In Roanoke County, Virginia (outside the independent cities of Roanoke and Salem), a pet-grooming business run from a residence is regulated as a "Home Occupation, Type I and Type II" under Zoning Ordinance § 30-82-3, which lets small commercial activities operate inside a dwelling subject to the (B) general standards. Clause (B)10 specifically limits pet grooming to one customer at a time and a maximum of eight animals per day, and every animal being groomed must be kept indoors, so outdoor kennel runs or holding pens are not permitted for the home business.
Because it is a home occupation, the groomer must also meet the shared standards in (B)7, which bars noise over 60 dB(A) at the property line and any vibration, fumes or odor detectable off the premises. Type I home occupations (limited to 10 percent of finished floor area or 250 square feet, whichever is greater) can employ only residents of the dwelling, while Type II (25 percent or 500 square feet) allows one non-resident employee, so a groomer with outside help must qualify as Type II.
Under (B)12, every home occupation, including pet grooming, must hold a Roanoke County business license issued by the Commissioner of the Revenue before operating. The Zoning Administrator in the Department of Community Development enforces these use standards, and the county's zoning penalties apply to any noncompliant home-based grooming operation.
Violations & Fines
Operating a home pet-grooming business that exceeds the one-customer or eight-animal-per-day limits, keeps animals outdoors, or skips the required Commissioner of the Revenue business license violates § 30-82-3(B). Under § 30-22(A), any zoning ordinance violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $10 to $2,500, with each day the violation continues charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a dog-grooming business from my house in Roanoke County?
Do I need a business license to groom pets at home?
What happens if I exceed the customer or animal limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Roanoke County
Compare Roanoke County to another location·View the Virginia animal ordinances overview
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