Home Occupation Permits: Chandler vs Gilbert

Can I run a business out of my home in unincorporated Maricopa County?

Yes. The Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance allows a 'residential home occupation' as an accessory use by-right in any rural or residential zoning district. The use must satisfy the standards in Section 501.2.10 (rural) or Section 601.2.8 (residential), which limit floor area, employees, customer traffic, signage, equipment, deliveries, hours, storage, and lighting so that the business stays clearly secondary to the residence.

When do I need a permit to operate a home business?

If the business exceeds the by-right standards in Sections 501.2.10 or 601.2.8 - for example more employees, customer visitation, outdoor storage, larger signage, or higher traffic - it is treated as a 'cottage industry' under Chapter 13 of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance and requires a Special Use Permit approved by the Board of Supervisors under Section 1301.1.18.

Are short sales events from my home considered a home occupation?

No. Maricopa County Planning & Development states that short-term sales events held no more than six days in one year are not classified as a home occupation under the Zoning Ordinance. Activities that exceed that frequency or that involve regular customer traffic, employees, or storage need to be reviewed under the residential home occupation standards or as a cottage industry.

Can I run a business out of my home in unincorporated Maricopa County?

Yes. The Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance allows a 'residential home occupation' as an accessory use by-right in any rural or residential zoning district. The use must satisfy the standards in Section 501.2.10 (rural) or Section 601.2.8 (residential), which limit floor area, employees, customer traffic, signage, equipment, deliveries, hours, storage, and lighting so that the business stays clearly secondary to the residence.

When do I need a permit to operate a home business?

If the business exceeds the by-right standards in Sections 501.2.10 or 601.2.8 - for example more employees, customer visitation, outdoor storage, larger signage, or higher traffic - it is treated as a 'cottage industry' under Chapter 13 of the Maricopa County Zoning Ordinance and requires a Special Use Permit approved by the Board of Supervisors under Section 1301.1.18.

Are short sales events from my home considered a home occupation?

No. Maricopa County Planning & Development states that short-term sales events held no more than six days in one year are not classified as a home occupation under the Zoning Ordinance. Activities that exceed that frequency or that involve regular customer traffic, employees, or storage need to be reviewed under the residential home occupation standards or as a cottage industry.