Springdale's Home Business: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles home business a little differently. In Springdale, Arkansas, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Springdale allows a home occupation as a conditional accessory use in residential and agricultural zoning districts, capped at 30% of a home's living space and subject to planning commission approval under the zoning ordinance's Use Unit 28.
Key details: Zoning status: Conditional use in A-1/residential districts. Governing rule: Zoning Ordinance Art. 6, § 2.8. Space limit: 30% of home's heated living area. License: Required; expires March 31 annually.
Operating a home occupation without an approved conditional use and city license violates § 2.8; complaints go to the city clerk under Article 9, and noncompliance can trigger license revocation.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Springdale conditions home-occupation approval on generating no traffic, parking, or utility use beyond what is normal for a residential neighborhood, among other planning-commission criteria.
Key details: Traffic standard: No more than normal for area. Governing section: Zoning Ordinance § 2.8.B.5. Also limited: Noise, odors, fumes. Enforcement: License revocable.
A home occupation generating traffic beyond what's normal for the neighborhood is noncompliant and can have its conditional-use license revoked, plus a fine of up to $1,000 under Article 10.
Signage Rules
Springdale's sign code flatly bars home occupation signs in every residential zoning district, from R-E single-family through MHP mobile home parks, under Sec. 98-63.
Key details: Home occupation signs: Not allowed, any residential zone. Applies in: R-E through MHP districts. Exempt sign types only: Real estate, political, garage sale. Citation: Springdale Code of Ordinances § 98-63(a).
Posting a home occupation sign in a residential district is a prohibited sign under Sec. 98-60 and Sec. 98-63, subject to a removal notice from the chief city inspector and fines under Sec. 98-5.
This is one of the stricter rules in Springdale's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Home Daycare
Springdale permits a family day care home as a home occupation in a single-family residence, capped at ten children total and requiring planning commission approval.
Key details: Max children: 10 incl. caregiver's own. Min to qualify: 6 non-household children. Permit type: Conditional use + license. License renewal: Expires March 31 yearly. Zoning: Single-family home, owner-occupied.
A home occupation license can be revoked for noncompliance, and operating a day care family home without the required conditional use and license violates Sec. 2.8, subject to the city's zoning enforcement.
The Bottom Line
Springdale'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 Springdale is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Springdale'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.