Home Business in Aurora, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Aurora or are thinking about moving there, home business are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Aurora has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of home business, and some of them might surprise you.

Zoning Restrictions

Aurora permits home occupations as an accessory use in all residential zones, subject to standards that keep the business secondary to the dwelling and preserve neighborhood character.

Key details: Authority: UDO 146-4.7.4. Floor area: 25 percent maximum. Non-resident employees: 1 on site maximum. Prohibited uses: Auto repair, welding, kennels. License: Home occupation license required.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/business_services/planning_and_development/unified_development_ordinance) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Signage Rules

Aurora prohibits exterior signs, displays, or advertising for home occupations. No outside indication of the business is allowed from the street or neighboring property.

Key details: Exterior signs: Prohibited. Window displays: Prohibited. Authority: UDO 146-4.7.4. Commercial vehicles: Restricted on site. Online advertising: Allowed.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/business_services/planning_and_development) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Compared to other cities, Aurora takes a harder line on signage rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Home Daycare

Home daycares in Aurora must be licensed by Colorado under CRS 26-6-102, meet zoning standards, and provide outdoor play space. Family homes can serve up to 6 children including residents.

Key details: State law: CRS 26-6-102. Family home capacity: Up to 6 children. Large family home: Up to 12 with assistant. Training: 15 hours plus CPR/first aid. Aurora zoning: Permitted home occupation.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://cdec.colorado.gov/family-child-care-home) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its home daycare requirements.

Home Occupation Permits

Aurora requires a home occupation license and general business/sales tax license for any business operated from a residence. Application is through the Tax and Licensing Division.

Key details: License: Home occupation license required. Authority: Aurora Tax and Licensing. Annual fee: ~$30-$75. Sales tax license: Required if taxable sales. Renewal: Annual.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/business_services/taxes_and_licenses) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Cottage Food Operations

Aurora follows Colorado's Cottage Foods Act (CRS 25-4-1614), allowing home producers to sell up to $10,000 per product annually of non-hazardous foods directly to consumers.

Key details: State law: CRS 25-4-1614. Sales cap: $10,000 per product annually. Allowed foods: Non-hazardous baked, jams, honey. Training: Approved food safety course. Aurora license: Home occupation plus sales tax.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://cdphe.colorado.gov/cottage-foods-act) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Aurora gives residents more flexibility on cottage food operations.

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Home occupations in Aurora may receive limited client visits, typically one client at a time, with no visits late at night and no generation of traffic beyond normal residential levels.

Key details: Clients at a time: Typically 1. Visit hours: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.. Parking: Residential frontage only. Group classes: Conditional use required. Authority: UDO 146-4.7.4.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://www.auroragov.org/business_services/planning_and_development) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

The Bottom Line

Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to home business. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Aurora, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Aurora's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.