Gaithersburg vs Takoma Park

Home occupations in Gaithersburg are governed by the Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 59), which establishes a three-tier system designed to accommodate a range of home-based business activities while protecting residential neighborhood character. The No-Impact tier requires no registration and allows minimal business activity with no more than 5 client visits per week, no non-resident employees, no exterior signage, and no evidence of the business visible from outside. The Low-Impact tier requires registration with the county Department of Permitting Services (DPS) and permits up to 1 non-resident employee, a maximum of 20 client visits per week, and one commercial vehicle under 10,000 pounds. The Major Home Occupation tier requires Conditional Use approval through a public hearing before the county Hearing Examiner and allows up to 2 non-resident employees and greater client traffic volumes. In all tiers, the home occupation must remain clearly secondary to the residential use of the dwelling and cannot occupy more than 33 percent of the gross floor area.

Montgomery County zoning permits home occupations as accessory uses in Takoma Park residential zones. Maximum 33% floor area, one non-resident employee, and no external evidence of business.