Home Business in Detroit, MI (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Detroit, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Detroit allows home occupations as a permitted accessory use in residential zoning districts under Detroit City Code Chapter 50 (Zoning), Article XII (Use Regulations), Division 5 (Accessory Uses). Approval is administered by the BSEED Zoning and Special Land Use Division and requires the occupation to be clearly incidental and subordinate to the dwelling's residential use, conducted entirely within the dwelling by members of the household, generating no external evidence of the business (no outside storage, no commercial signage beyond a small permitted nameplate, no significant customer or vehicular traffic, and no on-premises sales of stock). Certain uses (e.g., auto repair, kennels, restaurants, medical or dental offices serving the public, and manufacturing) are categorically prohibited as home occupations regardless of conditions.
Detroit Home Occupations Allowed in Residential Districts under Chapter 50, Article XII, Division 5 (with Strict Conditions)
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Home occupation signage limited to one non-illuminated sign, maximum 2 square feet, mounted flat on the dwelling.
Home Business: Signage
Some RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Home occupations may host customer visits at a rate not exceeding typical residential traffic. Detroit Zoning Ordinance recommends no more than 4 client visits per day.
Home Business: Customer Traffic
Some RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Michigan Cottage Food Law (Act 266 of 2010, MCL 289.4102) permits home production of specific non-potentially-hazardous foods for direct-to-consumer sale. Annual sales cap $25,000.
Home Business: Cottage Food
Few RestrictionsHome Daycare
Michigan Child Care Licensing Act (MCL 722.111) licenses home-based child care as Family Child Care Home (up to 6 children) or Group Child Care Home (7-12 children).
Home Business: Daycare Home
Some RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Detroit BSEED issues a Home Occupation permit for qualifying residential businesses. Application fee approximately $100.
Home Business: Home Occupation Permits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Wayne County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Detroit city rules.
Home Business in Wayne County →