Allegany County, MD Business Licensing & Operations: Auto Repair on Residential Property (2026)

Most home occupations are permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Districts subject only to the general conditions of § 360-88.A through D (no exterior changes, no outdoor storage, no out-of-character nuisance impact). Automobile repair is treated differently: § 360-88.F states that it may be permitted as a home occupation only as a special exception granted by the Board of Appeals in the R-1 and R-2 Districts. That means an applicant must file a special exception request rather than obtaining a routine zoning permit, and the Board of Appeals holds a public hearing under Article XX's Board of Appeals procedures at § 360-141, with notice published in a newspaper of general circulation at least 15 days ahead, the property posted at least five days before the hearing, and adjacent owners notified in writing.

The Board can grant, deny or condition the special exception, and the applicant carries the burden of proof on all questions of fact. Once granted, the use still has to comply with the general § 360-88 conditions on exterior appearance, outdoor storage and nuisance impact, and any outdoor storage of vehicles, parts or fluids in the R-1/R-2 Districts remains barred under § 360-88.C.