5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Albany County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
Albany County defers to town/village zoning for home occupations. Most municipalities permit them as accessory uses with conditions under NY Town Law Article 16.
Most Albany County municipalities prohibit or sharply limit home business signage. Typical limit: one non-illuminated sign, 2 sq ft max, attached to dwelling.
Customer visits to home businesses are heavily restricted countywide. Most Albany County towns cap visits at 1-2 clients at a time and prohibit retail walk-in traffic.
Albany County home food production operates under NY Home Processor Exemption (Agriculture and Markets Law Article 20-C, 1 NYCRR §276). Non-potentially-hazardous foods (baked goods, jams, candy, granola) may be sold directly without a commercial kitchen; registration with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets is required.
Albany County home daycares are licensed by NY Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) under Social Services Law §390 and 18 NYCRR Part 417 (Family Day Care) or Part 416 (Group Family Day Care). Family day care: up to 8 children; Group: up to 16 with assistant. Local zoning approval also required.
2 cities in Albany County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Albany County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Albany County Ordinance Hub →