Tigard's Home Business: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles home business a little differently. In Tigard, Oregon, there are 3 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.

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Type I home occupations prohibit outside employees and limit activity to household members. Type II allows one outside employee and limited client visits. All home occupations must not be detrimental or disruptive to neighboring properties.

Key details: Type I Clients: Household members only. Type II: 1 outside employee allowed. Business License: Required annually (TMC 5.04). Revocation: Director may revoke for violations.

Excessive traffic complaints: permit review. Revocation for repeat violations. Cease-and-desist order.

Zoning Restrictions

Home occupations are permitted in Tigard residential zones subject to the Type I or Type II home occupation permit standards in the Tigard Community Development Code, Chapter 18.760. Use is limited to the principal occupant of the dwelling, must be operated entirely within the dwelling or a conforming accessory structure, and may use no more than 25 percent of the combined floor area or 528 square feet, whichever is smaller. Supplier deliveries are capped at 3 per week. Type II permits, which allow expanded customer or employee activity, are processed under the Type II land use review procedure in CDC 18.710.060.

Key details: Governing Chapter: Tigard Community Development Code Chapter 18.760 (Home Occupations). Permit Tiers: Type I and Type II (Type II processed per CDC 18.710.060). Operator: Must be principal occupant of dwelling. Floor Area Cap: 25% of combined residence + accessory floor area, or 528 sq. ft., maximum. Supplier Deliveries: Maximum 3 per week.

Operating a home occupation without the required CDC 18.760 home occupation permit, or in violation of the chapter's standards (over the 528 sq. ft. / 25 percent floor-area cap, more than 3 supplier deliveries per week, exterior commercial-vehicle storage beyond the 0.75-ton GVW allowance), is a Title 18 violation enforceable by Tigard Code Compliance through the city's standard civil-infraction process under TMC Chapter 1.16. The city may also pursue parallel business-license enforcement under TMC Chapter 5.04 if the operator has not obtained a city business license. Failure to follow the Type II procedure under CDC 18.710.060 where required can result in denial of the home occupation permit or revocation if the use exceeds the Type I limits without a Type II approval.

Signage Rules

Type I home occupations may not have any exterior signage. Type II home occupations are allowed one non-illuminated sign not exceeding 1.5 square feet, which may be attached to the residence, an accessory structure, or placed in a window.

Key details: Type I: No signs allowed. Type II: 1 sign, 1.5 sq ft max. Illumination: Non-illuminated only. Placement: On building or in window.

Sign removal order. Permit revocation risk. Code compliance fines $100 to $500.

The Bottom Line

Tigard'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 Tigard is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Tigard'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.