How Brick Handles Home Business: A Practical Guide
Brick maintains 123 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with home business. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Brick falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Brick Township permits home offices as an accessory use in residential zones, but the business must fit in one room with no separate entrance, no exterior or signage changes, and no employee or customer traffic that disturbs neighbors.
Key details: Governing section: Township Code § 245-16. Zones allowed: Residential zone districts only. Space limit: One room, no separate entrance. Delivery hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. only. Exterior changes: None permitted, including signs.
Noncompliant home businesses violate the zoning ordinance; Part 2 (Chapter 245) violations are punishable under Chapter 1, § 1-15's general penalty, with each day a separate offense.
Signage Rules
Brick Township's zoning code flatly bars home offices from putting up any signage. A home office accessory use must leave the dwelling's exterior completely unchanged, so no sign of any kind is allowed.
Key details: Home office signs allowed: None. Exterior appearance: Must stay unchanged. Governing section: Code § 245-16. Max fine (general penalty): $2,000.
Zoning violations are enforced under the Township's general penalty section: fines up to $2,000, up to 90 days in jail, or community service, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Brick actively enforces its signage rules requirements.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Brick Township permits home offices in residential zones only if customers, clients, and nonresident employees don't visit in numbers large enough to disturb neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of their property.
Key details: Governing section: Brick Township Code § 245-16.C. Zone status: Accessory use in residential zones. Customer/employee limit: No visits causing neighbor disturbance. Penalty: Up to $2,000 fine, 90 days jail. Related limit: Deliveries only weekdays 9am-5pm.
Exceeding the customer/employee limit voids the home office's status as a permitted accessory use; violations of Chapter 245 carry up to a $2,000 fine, 90 days imprisonment, or community service under § 1-15, with each day a separate offense.
The Bottom Line
Brick's home business rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Brick is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Brick can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.