Home Business in Charles County, MD (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Charles County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Running a business from home in Charles County requires a home occupation (HO) permit, confines the business to 200 square feet (500 in AC, RC, or WCD zones), limits employees to household family members, and bars operation before 7 a.m., after 8 p.m., or on Sundays and federal holidays.
Charles County Home Occupation Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsCharles County Code § 297-29B(18)
Home occupations may be conducted upon the issuance of a home occupation (HO) permit in accordance with the following criteria: (a) All business activities associated with the conduct of a home occupation shall be conducted entirely within those portions of the principal dwelling that are approved for the home occupation use... (c) A home occupation shall not exceed 200 square feet within a pri...
Signage Rules
Home-based businesses in Charles County may post one sign advertising the home occupation under Zoning Ordinance § 297-322A, but it can't exceed four square feet, can't be illuminated, and must be mounted flat against the building rather than freestanding. A permit is required, though the County charges no fee for it.
Charles County Home Occupation Sign Limit
Some RestrictionsCharles County Code § 297-322A
Home occupation. A nonilluminated sign not exceeding four square feet in area, attached flat to a building, to advertise home occupations.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Charles County requires that traffic from a home occupation, including customer and third-party delivery vehicles, not change the residential character of the dwelling or the surrounding subdivision, under Zoning Ordinance § 297-29B(18)(b).
Charles County Home Business Traffic Limit
Light RestrictionsCharles County Code § 297-29B(18)(b)
The business activities, including but not limited to the vehicular traffic generated by customers or third-party delivery services, shall neither change the residential character of the dwelling nor the character of the residential subdivision.
Home Daycare
Charles County's zoning code defines a "day-care home" as a paid provider's own residence caring for children in place of parental care. The definition caps it at no more than two children under age two and no more than eight children total, counting the provider's own kids.
Charles County Home Daycare Zoning Cap
Some RestrictionsCharles County Code § 297-49 (DAY-CARE HOME definition)
DAY-CARE HOME: A residence in which care is given to a child in place of parental care, for less than 24 hours a day, other than the child's residence, for which the day-care provider is paid. No more than two children under age two and no more than eight children, including the provider's own, may be provided for.
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