Home Business in Matthews, NC (2026)
6 verified home business rules for Matthews, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Matthews UDO allows home occupations in residential districts if the business is clearly secondary to the home. No outside employees, limited equipment, and no change to residential character.
Home Business: Zoning
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Matthews prohibits external signage for home occupations. The business must be invisible from the street to preserve residential character, with no yard signs, window signs, or vehicle lettering displays.
Home Business: Signage
Heavy RestrictionsCustomer Traffic Restrictions
Matthews home occupations must not generate customer traffic exceeding normal residential volume. Occasional client visits by appointment are typical limits; retail walk-in is prohibited.
Home Business: Customer Traffic
Some RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
North Carolina allows home-based cottage food sales under NCGS 106 with NCDA home inspection. Non-hazardous baked goods, jams, and candies may be sold directly from home or at events.
Home Business: Cottage Food
Few RestrictionsHome Daycare
Matthews permits family child care homes (up to 5 children) and child care homes (6-8 children) as home occupations under the UDO, subject to NC DHHS licensing through the Division of Child Development and Early Education.
Home Business: Daycare Home
Some RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Matthews requires a zoning permit for home occupations. Business must be clearly secondary to residential use, no non-resident employees on site, no external evidence of the business, and no customer traffic beyond normal residential patterns.
Home Business: Home Occupation Permits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Mecklenburg County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Matthews city rules.
Home Business in Mecklenburg County →