5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Boulder County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
The Boulder County Land Use Code lets a home occupation operate as an accessory use to a residence, provided it stays clearly subordinate to the dwelling and does not change the character of the lot. Article 4-516(S) sets the limits on employees, floor area, traffic, and signage.
Boulder County Land Use Code Article 4-516(S)
A home occupation is an accessory use consisting of a vocational activity conducted inside a dwelling unit or its accessory structures, and used only by the individuals who reside therein and one employee.
A home occupation in unincorporated Boulder County may display only a small identification sign. The Land Use Code limits it to a non-illuminated sign of two square feet or less, and the business must produce no noise, light, odor, or other effect noticeable beyond the property line.
Boulder County Land Use Code Article 4-516(S)
Has signage limited to a non-illuminated identification sign two square feet or less in size.
Colorado's Cottage Foods Act lets you make and sell certain non-hazardous foods from your home kitchen without a health-department license, as long as you sell directly to the consumer, complete a food safety course, and earn no more than $10,000 net per product each year. This state law applies in
A family child care home is treated as a residential use for zoning, so it is generally allowed in unincorporated Boulder County homes, and child care is specifically exempted from the home-occupation floor-area cap. The provider must still be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
Boulder County Land Use Code Article 4-516(S)
Does not exceed one-half the total floor area of the dwelling including activities carried out in an accessory structure, with the exception of child care which may exceed this limit.
Boulder County does not require a license or permit for a home occupation. If you can meet the Land Use Code criteria, you may simply send a letter to the Land Use Department describing the use so staff can verify it is permitted.
Boulder County Land Use Code Article 4-516(S) (Publication P08)
The County does not have a licensing requirement for home occupations.
2 cities in Boulder County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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