Home Occupation Permits: Fairfax vs Vienna
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Fairfax, VA and Vienna, VA?
Fairfax and Vienna have similar restriction levels.
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax County
Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Article 4 allows Home-Based Businesses (formerly "Home Occupations") as accessory uses in residential zones. Type 1 (minor) home businesses are allowed by-right without a permit; Type 2 (with clients/employees on-site) requires a Home Occupation Permit. All home businesses must be clearly secondary to residential use, occupy limited floor area, and not change the residential character of the dwelling or neighborhood.
View full Fairfax rules →Vienna, VA
Fairfax County
Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance Article 4 allows Home-Based Businesses (formerly "Home Occupations") as accessory uses in residential zones. Type 1 (minor) home businesses are allowed by-right without a permit; Type 2 (with clients/employees on-site) requires a Home Occupation Permit. All home businesses must be clearly secondary to residential use, occupy limited floor area, and not change the residential character of the dwelling or neighborhood.
View full Vienna rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fairfax | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| Fact | Type 1 (no clients/employees): by-right, no permit | Type 1 (no clients/employees): by-right, no permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fairfax FAQ
Do I need a permit for a home-based consulting business in Fairfax County?
If you have no on-site clients, no employees, and no external evidence, it's a Type 1 (No-Impact) home business — no zoning permit needed. You still need a BPOL business license.
Can I see clients at my home office?
Yes with a Type 2 Home Occupation Permit, limited to about 4 client visits per day by appointment and one non-resident employee. Apply through Zoning Administration Division.
Can I run an auto repair business out of my garage?
No. Auto repair is explicitly prohibited as a home occupation in any residential zone in Fairfax County regardless of scale.
Vienna FAQ
Do I need a permit for a home-based consulting business in Fairfax County?
If you have no on-site clients, no employees, and no external evidence, it's a Type 1 (No-Impact) home business — no zoning permit needed. You still need a BPOL business license.
Can I see clients at my home office?
Yes with a Type 2 Home Occupation Permit, limited to about 4 client visits per day by appointment and one non-resident employee. Apply through Zoning Administration Division.
Can I run an auto repair business out of my garage?
No. Auto repair is explicitly prohibited as a home occupation in any residential zone in Fairfax County regardless of scale.
Compare other topics
See how Fairfax and Vienna 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