Home Business in Arlington, TX (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Arlington, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Arlington permits home occupations in residential zones provided the business is clearly secondary to the home's use as a dwelling. Occupations must be conducted indoors, use no more than 25% of the floor area, have no non-resident employees on site, and not change the residential character of the property. A home occupation registration is required.
Arlington Home Business Zoning
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Arlington prohibits any exterior signage identifying a home occupation at a residential property. No signs, window graphics, illuminated lettering, or yard signs advertising a home business are permitted in residential zoning districts. The business must remain invisible from the street to preserve neighborhood character.
Arlington Home Business Signage
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Transportation Code Sec. 394.022 (Permits Required for Outdoor Signs - Rural Roads)
Sec. 394.022. ISSUANCE OF PERMIT. (a) The commission shall issue a permit to a person:(1) whose application complies with commission rule;(2) whose sign, if erected, would comply with the requirements of this chapter; and(3) who, if the off-premise sign is located within the jurisdiction of a municipality with a population of more than 1.9 million that is exercising its authority to regulate of...
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Arlington strictly limits customer and client visits to home occupations. The business must not generate traffic volumes greater than normal residential use. Clients by appointment only are generally acceptable, but walk-in retail, group classes, and frequent deliveries are prohibited. Commercial vehicle traffic and additional on-street parking demand are grounds for revocation.
Arlington Home Business Customer Traffic
Heavy RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Arlington follows the Texas Cottage Food Law under Health and Safety Code Chapter 437, which allows individuals to sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen without a food-establishment license. Annual gross sales are limited, required labeling must be used, and the foods must be sold directly to consumers. A food-handler certificate is required.
Arlington Cottage Food Operations
Few RestrictionsTexas Health and Safety Code Sec. 437.0191 and Sec. 437.0192 (Cottage Food Production Operations)
Sec. 437.0192. REGULATION OF COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATIONS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES PROHIBITED; COMPLAINTS. (a) A local government authority, including a local health department, may not: (1) regulate the production of food at a cottage food production operation; or (2) require a cottage food production operation to obtain any type of license or permit or pay any fee to produce or s...
Home Daycare
Arlington allows registered and licensed child-care homes in residential districts as home occupations under the Unified Development Code. State licensing through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is required under Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 42, and operators must also meet Arlington's home occupation standards including limits on nonresident employees, signage, and client traffic.
Home Daycare Rules in Arlington
Some RestrictionsTex. Human Resources Code Sec. 42.002 (Child-Care Definitions - Family Home, Group Day-Care Home)
Sec. 42.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:(1) "Child" means a person under 18 years of age.(2) "Division" means the division designated by the department to carry out the provisions of this chapter.(3) "Child-care facility" means a facility licensed, certified, or registered by the department to provide assessment, care, training, education, custody, treatment, or supervision for a child who is...
Home Occupation Permits
Arlington permits home-based businesses in residential zones as accessory uses under the Unified Development Code, without a standalone home occupation permit in most cases. Operators must register with the city for a business tax receipt where applicable and comply with standards limiting employees, signage, customer visits, and exterior alterations so the residential character of the neighborhood is preserved.
Home Occupation Permits in Arlington
Some RestrictionsLooking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arlington city rules.
Home Business in Tarrant County →