Home Business in Buncombe County, NC (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Buncombe County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
A home occupation is allowed in Buncombe County residential zoning as a use conducted entirely within the dwelling or an accessory structure and clearly incidental to residential use. It cannot occupy more than 25 percent of the dwelling's floor space, and no more than two non-resident employees may work there.
Home Business Zoning in Unincorporated Buncombe County
Some RestrictionsBuncombe County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 78-581 (Home occupation, cl. 1); Sec. 78-665
The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation shall be clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes, and such occupation shall not occupy more than 25 percent of the total floor space of the dwelling or the entire accessory structure.
Signage Rules
A home occupation in unincorporated Buncombe County may have one unlighted sign on the premises no more than two square feet in area. There may be no display, no outside storage, and no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises from the home occupation.
Home Business Signs in Buncombe County
Some RestrictionsBuncombe County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 78-581 (Home occupation, cl. 2)
There shall be no display, no outside storage, no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of such home occupation other than an unlighted sign located on the premises and not over two square feet in area.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
A home occupation in unincorporated Buncombe County can employ no more than two people who don't live on the property, and it can't generate more traffic than a residential neighborhood would normally see. Any parking the business needs has to be off the street and outside the required front yard.
Home Business Traffic Limits in Buncombe County
Some RestrictionsBuncombe County Zoning Ordinance Sec. 78-581 (Home occupation, cl. 3-4)
Home occupation means an occupation conducted entirely within a dwelling or accessory structure and carried on by the occupants thereof, provided that: ... (3) no more than two persons not in residence on the premises shall be employed in connection with the home occupation; and (4) no traffic shall be generated by such home occupation in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a res...
Home Daycare
A home-based day nursery or private kindergarten in unincorporated Buncombe County is capped at eight children under Code Sec. 78-678(a)(2), and is permitted with special requirements even in the county's residential districts. Larger operations need a special-use permit instead of qualifying automatically.
Home Daycare Rules in Unincorporated Buncombe County
Some RestrictionsBuncombe County Code Sec. 78-678(a)(2)
(2)Day nursery and private kindergarten. Standards for day nursery and private kindergarten shall be as follows:a.Signage. Signage is limited to a single non-lighted sign, not to exceed eight square feet, with a maximum height of four feet.b.Enrollment. Maximum enrollment is limited to eight children.c.Drop-off areas. Drop-off and pick-up areas shall not obstruct traffic flow on adjacent street...
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