How Matthews Handles Home Business: A Practical Guide
Matthews maintains 113 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with home business. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Matthews falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Home Occupation Permits
Matthews requires a zoning permit for home occupations. Business must be clearly secondary to residential use, no non-resident employees on site, no external evidence of the business, and no customer traffic beyond normal residential patterns.
Key details: Permit: Zoning permit required. Floor Area: 25% max of dwelling. Employees: Residents only. Signage: Not permitted. Authority: Matthews UDO Art 5.
UDO violation: Notice of Violation issued with 30-day cure period. Continued violation may result in civil penalties of 100-500 dollars per day.
Signage Rules
Matthews prohibits external signage for home occupations. The business must be invisible from the street to preserve residential character, with no yard signs, window signs, or vehicle lettering displays.
Key details: Yard Signs: Prohibited. Window Signs: Prohibited. Vehicles: Store out of view. Address: Normal numbers OK.
Home occupation sign violations: notice to remove within 10 days, then civil penalty 100 dollars per day.
This is one of the stricter rules in Matthews's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Cottage Food Operations
North Carolina allows home-based cottage food sales under NCGS 106 with NCDA home inspection. Non-hazardous baked goods, jams, and candies may be sold directly from home or at events.
Key details: State Law: NCGS 106 home processor. Inspection: NCDA required. Products: Non-hazardous only. Labeling: Home kitchen disclosure.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Matthews is more permissive than most cities when it comes to cottage food operations. That said, there are still limits.
Home Daycare
Matthews permits family child care homes (up to 5 children) and child care homes (6-8 children) as home occupations under the UDO, subject to NC DHHS licensing through the Division of Child Development and Early Education.
Key details: Family Home: Up to 5 children. Child Care Home: 6-8 children. State License: NC DCDEE required. Zoning: Permitted accessory use. Authority: NCGS 110-85 et seq.
Operating without DCDEE license: civil penalties up to 1,000 dollars per NCGS 110-103. Zoning violations: citation issued by Matthews Code Enforcement under UDO enforcement provisions.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Matthews home occupations must not generate customer traffic exceeding normal residential volume. Occasional client visits by appointment are typical limits; retail walk-in is prohibited.
Key details: Visits: By appointment only. Parking: No clustered vehicles. Retail: Walk-in prohibited. Deliveries: Standard parcel size.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Zoning Restrictions
Matthews UDO allows home occupations in residential districts if the business is clearly secondary to the home. No outside employees, limited equipment, and no change to residential character.
Key details: Permitted: Residential accessory use. Employees: No non-resident workers. Storage: No outdoor equipment. Character: Must appear residential.
Home occupation violations: notice of violation and civil penalties, typically 100 dollars per day until cured. Repeat violations can revoke permission.
The Bottom Line
Matthews'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 Matthews is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Matthews's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.