5 rules for unincorporated Baltimore County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
The Baltimore County Zoning Regulations (BCZR) permit a home occupation as an accessory use in residence zones. It must keep no stock in trade sold on the premises, employ no one other than resident family members or servants, and use no mechanical equipment beyond ordinary household use.
Baltimore County Zoning Regulations (BCZR), Home Occupation definition
Home Occupation: An occupation in connection with which there is used no display, (other than signs otherwise herein permitted), that will indicate from the exterior that the building is being utilized in whole or in part for any purpose other than that of a dwelling; in connection with which there is kept no stock in trade or commodity sold upon the premises, no person employed other than serv...
Baltimore County limits home-occupation signage in residence zones to a total of two square feet in area, not projecting more than one foot beyond the building, and not illuminated. Professional-office nameplates are likewise capped at two square feet.
Baltimore County Zoning Regulations (BCZR), residence-zone home-occupation sign provision
Home Occupations, provided that no sign or signs shall be displayed on the lot so used exceeding a total of two square feet in area, not projecting more than one foot beyond the building, and not illuminated.
Cottage food is governed by the State, not Baltimore County. Under COMAR 10.15.03.27, a cottage food business may sell non-potentially hazardous homemade foods made in a private home kitchen without a Maryland Department of Health license, but only within Maryland and directly to consumers or retail stores.
COMAR 10.15.03.27A
A cottage food business may offer for sale the homemade foods specified in §B of this regulation when the foods are: (1) Made in a private home kitchen; and (2) Offered or sold only in the State: (a) ... at a retail food store; or (b) Directly to a consumer: (i) At a farmer's market; (ii) At a bake sale; (iii) At a public event; (iv) By personal delivery; or (v) By mail order.
In-home daycare in Baltimore County is regulated by the State (MSDE) under COMAR 13A.15. An individual may not operate a family child care home without a valid certificate of registration, and total capacity may not exceed eight children, of whom no more than four may be under age 2.
COMAR 13A.15.04.03D
The maximum total capacity of a family child care home may not exceed eight children, of whom not more than four may be younger than 2 years old.
Baltimore County requires a Zoning Home Occupation Use Permit affidavit, filed with the Director of Permits, Approvals & Inspections, for a home occupation tied to a Traders License. The applicant affirms the home is a mailing address only, with no on-site inventory, deliveries, or customer traffic.
Baltimore County PAI — Zoning Home Occupation Use Permit / Affidavit for Traders License
There will be NO equipment, inventory, stock or commodity DELIVERED OR STORED on the premises. There will be NO traffic of customers or clients to the premises. ... Other than domestic servants or members of the immediate family, there will be no more than 1 (one) person employed on the premises.
See every category we cover for Baltimore County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Baltimore County Ordinance Hub →