Toms River's Home Business: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles home business a little differently. In Toms River, New Jersey, 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.

Zoning Restrictions

Toms River permits home professional offices and home occupations of less than 500 square feet in certain zoning districts as accessory or conditional uses under Chapter 348. No customers, patients, or patrons may regularly visit the site, and commercial vehicles are restricted.

Key details: Code Section: Chapter 348. Max Floor Area: 500 sq ft. Customer Visits: Not permitted regularly. Commercial Vehicles: Restricted (§ 348-5.26).

Operating a home business in violation of zoning regulations may result in a cease-and-desist order and fines. Contact Zoning at 732-341-1000, ext. 8449.

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Toms River's home occupation rules prohibit regular visits by customers, patients, or patrons to the home business site. The business must remain incidental and subordinate to the residential use of the dwelling.

Key details: Customer Visits: Not permitted regularly. Character Requirement: Must remain residential. Retail Sales: Generally not permitted. Enforcement: Zoning Office.

Operating a home business with regular customer traffic in violation of zoning conditions may result in revocation of the home occupation permission and code enforcement action.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Toms River actively enforces its customer traffic restrictions requirements.

Signage Rules

Toms River regulates all signage under Section 348-8.26 of the Land Use and Development Regulations. Zoning and/or UCC permits are required for exterior signs. Home occupations are generally prohibited from displaying exterior business signage in residential zones.

Key details: Code Section: § 348-8.26. Permit Required: Zoning and/or UCC permit. Home Business Signs: Generally prohibited in residential. Non-Conforming: Requires Board application.

Unauthorized signage may result in fines and mandatory removal. Zoning violations enforced by the Zoning Office.

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

The Bottom Line

Toms River is tougher than many cities when it comes to home business. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Toms River, 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 Toms River's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.