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Home Business in Farmington Hills, MI (2026)

6 verified home business rules for Farmington Hills, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Zoning Restrictions

Farmington Hills permits home occupations in single-family residential zoning districts under Sec. 34-4.15 of the Zoning Ordinance, provided the activity is conducted only by residents of the dwelling, occupies no more than 15% of the floor area, is not noticeable from the exterior, and serves no more than one client at a time. A Home Occupation Registration with the Department of Planning and Community Development is required.

Farmington Hills Home Occupation Zoning

Some Restrictions

Signage Rules

Farmington Hills prohibits any exterior signage associated with a home occupation. Under Sec. 34-4.15 of the Zoning Ordinance, a home occupation must not be noticeable from the exterior of the dwelling — meaning no yard signs, window signs, illuminated signs, or other on-premises advertising. The Home Occupation Registration Application requires applicants to confirm no signs will be placed on the property.

Farmington Hills Home Business Signage

Heavy Restrictions

Customer Traffic Restrictions

Farmington Hills strictly limits customer traffic for home occupations. Under Sec. 34-4.15 of the Zoning Ordinance, no more than one (1) client or customer may be served at a time on the premises, and the activity may not be noticeable from the exterior. Non-resident employees and their vehicles are not permitted on or near the property.

Farmington Hills Home Business Customer Traffic

Heavy Restrictions

Cottage Food Operations

Cottage food sales in Farmington Hills are governed by the Michigan Cottage Food Law (MCL 333.12601-12605), which preempts local licensing for direct-to-consumer sales of non-potentially hazardous foods up to $25,000 in gross annual sales. Farmington Hills does not impose additional licensing, but the operation still qualifies as a home occupation under Sec. 34-4.15 and a Home Occupation Registration is required.

Farmington Hills Cottage Food Sales

Few Restrictions

Home Daycare

Family child care homes in Farmington Hills are licensed by the State of Michigan under the Child Care Organizations Act (MCL 722.111 et seq., particularly MCL 722.117a) through the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). Family Child Care Homes serve up to 6 children; Group Child Care Homes serve 7-12 with a qualified assistant. The City treats the activity as a home occupation under Sec. 34-4.15.

Farmington Hills Family Child Care Home

Some Restrictions

Home Occupation Permits

Farmington Hills requires a Home Occupation Registration with the Department of Planning and Community Development before operating any home-based business. The application fee is $150 non-refundable, with a $75 annual renewal. A floorplan must accompany the application and zoning approval is required, with Fire Marshal approval if hazardous materials are involved.

Farmington Hills Home Occupation Permits

Some Restrictions

Looking for Oakland County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Farmington Hills city rules.

Home Business in Oakland County