Home Business in Farmington Hills, MI: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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

Zoning Restrictions

Farmington Hills permits home occupations in single-family residential zoning districts under Sec. 34-4.15 of the Zoning Ordinance, provided the activity is conducted only by residents of the dwelling, occupies no more than 15% of the floor area, is not noticeable from the exterior, and serves no more than one client at a time. A Home Occupation Registration with the Department of Planning and Community Development is required.

Key details: Code Reference: Sec. 34-4.15, Chapter 34 Zoning Ordinance. Allowed Zones: Single-family residential districts (RA-1, RA-2, RA-3, RA-4). Max Floor Area Used: 15% of dwelling floor area (incl. storage). Non-Resident Employees: Prohibited on premises. Clients On-Site: 1 at a time.

Operating without registration or in violation of Sec. 34-4.15 conditions is a zoning ordinance violation enforceable by the Zoning and Code Enforcement division. Penalties under Chapter 1 of the City Code (general penalty, Sec. 1-15) include fines and possible misdemeanor charges, plus revocation of the home occupation registration.

Cottage Food Operations

Cottage food sales in Farmington Hills are governed by the Michigan Cottage Food Law (MCL 333.12601-12605), which preempts local licensing for direct-to-consumer sales of non-potentially hazardous foods up to $25,000 in gross annual sales. Farmington Hills does not impose additional licensing, but the operation still qualifies as a home occupation under Sec. 34-4.15 and a Home Occupation Registration is required.

Key details: Governing Law: Michigan Cottage Food Law — MCL 333.12601-12605 (state preemption of licensing). Annual Sales Cap: $25,000 gross. Allowed Foods: Non-potentially hazardous (breads, jams, candies, dried herbs, honey, dry mixes). Sales Venues: Direct to end consumer only — home, farmer's market, roadside stand. Required Label Disclaimer: Made in a home kitchen not inspected by MDARD.

Selling potentially hazardous foods (meat, dairy, hot canned vegetables) under the cottage food exemption is a violation of Michigan Food Law enforced by MDARD. Locally, operating without a Home Occupation Registration violates Sec. 34-4.15 and is enforceable under Chapter 1 general penalty provisions.

Farmington Hills is more permissive than most cities when it comes to cottage food operations. That said, there are still limits.

Signage Rules

Farmington Hills prohibits any exterior signage associated with a home occupation. Under Sec. 34-4.15 of the Zoning Ordinance, a home occupation must not be noticeable from the exterior of the dwelling — meaning no yard signs, window signs, illuminated signs, or other on-premises advertising. The Home Occupation Registration Application requires applicants to confirm no signs will be placed on the property.

Key details: Code Section: Sec. 34-4.15 Zoning Ordinance. Exterior Business Signs: Prohibited. Yard Signs: Prohibited. Window Signs Advertising Business: Prohibited. Illuminated Signs: Prohibited.

Posting a sign for a home business is a violation of Sec. 34-4.15 and grounds for revocation of the Home Occupation Registration. Code Enforcement can issue an abatement order requiring removal within a stated cure period, and continued violation is enforceable as a municipal ordinance violation under Chapter 1 of the City Code.

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

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Farmington Hills strictly limits customer traffic for home occupations. Under Sec. 34-4.15 of the Zoning Ordinance, no more than one (1) client or customer may be served at a time on the premises, and the activity may not be noticeable from the exterior. Non-resident employees and their vehicles are not permitted on or near the property.

Key details: Code Reference: Sec. 34-4.15 Zoning Ordinance. Max Clients On-Site at Once: 1. Non-Resident Employees On-Site: Prohibited. Employee Vehicles On/Near Premises: Prohibited. Visibility from Exterior: Not permitted (activity must not be noticeable).

Exceeding the one-client-at-a-time limit, allowing non-resident employees on the premises, or creating noticeable traffic/parking impacts violates Sec. 34-4.15 and is grounds for revocation of the Home Occupation Registration plus general penalty enforcement under Chapter 1 of the City Code.

Compared to other cities, Farmington Hills takes a harder line on customer traffic restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Home Occupation Permits

Farmington Hills requires a Home Occupation Registration with the Department of Planning and Community Development before operating any home-based business. The application fee is $150 non-refundable, with a $75 annual renewal. A floorplan must accompany the application and zoning approval is required, with Fire Marshal approval if hazardous materials are involved.

Key details: Permit Required: Home Occupation Registration (Sec. 34-4.15). Application Fee: $150 non-refundable. Annual Renewal: $75 non-refundable. Required Submittal: Floorplan + Sec. 34-4.15 checklist. Reviewing Authority: Zoning Official (+ Fire Marshal if hazardous materials).

Operating without an issued registration, or violating any Sec. 34-4.15 condition (15% floor area, no signage, one client at a time, no non-resident employees), is a zoning ordinance violation. Code Enforcement can issue cease-and-desist orders, revoke an issued registration, and pursue penalties under the Chapter 1 general penalty provisions.

Home Daycare

Family child care homes in Farmington Hills are licensed by the State of Michigan under the Child Care Organizations Act (MCL 722.111 et seq., particularly MCL 722.117a) through the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). Family Child Care Homes serve up to 6 children; Group Child Care Homes serve 7-12 with a qualified assistant. The City treats the activity as a home occupation under Sec. 34-4.15.

Key details: State Law: Child Care Organizations Act — MCL 722.111 et seq. (MCL 722.117a / 722.115b preemption). Family Child Care Home: 1-6 children. Group Child Care Home: 7-12 children + qualified assistant. State Licensing Agency: MiLEAP — Bureau of Community and Health Systems (MIChildCare). Local Zoning Preemption: Family Child Care Homes permitted in all single-family districts (MCL 722.115b).

Operating an unlicensed child care home is a violation of MCL 722.115 (state misdemeanor) enforced by MiLEAP. Local enforcement is limited because state law preempts most zoning restrictions on Family Child Care Homes; the City may still cite for unrelated violations (e.g., non-compliant accessory uses, parking, or fire-code issues).

The Bottom Line

Farmington Hills 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 Farmington Hills, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Farmington Hills's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.