How Cary Handles Home Business: A Practical Guide
Cary maintains 106 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 Cary falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
The Town of Cary's Land Development Ordinance permits home occupations as an accessory use in residential zoning districts, but only if the operator lives on site and the business stays subordinate to the dwelling.
Key details: Governing law: Cary LDO § 5.3.4(C). Type I cap: 20% of floor area or 500 sq ft. Type II cap: 10% of floor area or 500 sq ft. Non-resident employees: Max one non-resident employee. Permit needed: Only Type II requires accessory use permit.
Cary's Planning Department reviews and can deny or revoke accessory use permits for Type II home occupations; operating without required approval is a zoning violation under the LDO.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Cary's LDO bars Type I home occupations, those providing services off-site, from letting any customers or clients visit the home; only a Type II occupation may serve clients on-site, and it needs a permit.
Key details: Governing law: Cary LDO § 5.3.4(C)(2). Type I clients: No customers or clients allowed. Type II clients: Allowed with accessory use permit. Type II size cap: 10% of floor area or 500 sq ft. Off-site employees: None permitted under Type I.
Allowing client visits under a Type I home occupation, or operating Type II client visits without an approved accessory use permit, is a zoning violation Cary's Planning Department can enforce.
This is one of the stricter rules in Cary's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Home Daycare
Cary allows a small day care home for up to 6 children as an accessory use by right, with state licensing, parking, and residency conditions.
Key details: Small home capacity: Up to 6 children. Large home capacity/permit: 7-12 children, special use permit. Minimum on-site parking (small): 3 spaces. Operator residency: Required on premises.
Operating a home daycare above the licensed capacity, without required parking or Town permits, or without the operator residing on-site is a zoning violation enforceable by the Planning Department.
The Bottom Line
Cary'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 Cary is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Cary'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.