Zoning Restrictions: Alpharetta vs Roswell
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Alpharetta, GA and Roswell, GA?
Alpharetta has fewer restrictions than Roswell.
Alpharetta, GA
Fulton County
Home-based businesses in unincorporated Fulton County are allowed in residential zones as 'home occupations' under Zoning Article 4 §4.13, subject to limits on employees, customer visits, and outdoor activity.
View full Alpharetta rules →Roswell, GA
Fulton County
Roswell's UDC explicitly prohibits certain uses as home occupations regardless of permits: auto sales/repair, restaurants, animal hospitals/kennels, funeral homes, retail or wholesale shops, machine shops, personal service establishments, special event facilities, and lodging services.
View full Roswell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Alpharetta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Zoning §4.13 | Roswell UDC Art. 9 |
| Employees | 1 non-resident max | - |
| On-site retail | Prohibited | - |
| Auto Repair/Sales | - | Prohibited |
| Restaurants | - | Prohibited |
| Animal Boarding | - | Prohibited |
| Retail Shops | - | Prohibited |
| Lodging (incl. STR) | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Alpharetta FAQ
Can I have clients visit my home office?
Limited — appointment-only with no walk-ins.
Do I need a permit?
A Home Occupation Permit + business license — apply through the county or city.
Roswell FAQ
Can I do auto repair as a home business in Roswell?
No. Roswell UDC Art. 9 specifically prohibits auto sales or auto repair as a home occupation regardless of any permit.
Can I run a personal training studio out of my house?
Limited to 2 students/clients at one time under the fitness-instruction exception. Larger group classes would qualify as a personal service establishment, which is prohibited.
Compare other topics
See how Alpharetta and Roswell compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool