Home Business in Henrico County, VA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Henrico does not require a distinct home-occupation license; a home occupation is allowed as an accessory use if it meets the § 24-4419 standards. Service and goods-sales home occupations have extra rules, such as appointment-only customers and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. hours, Monday through Saturday.
Henrico: No Separate Permit, but Home-Occupation Standards Apply
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 24-4419.C
Standards Applicable to Home Occupations, Provision of Services. ... 4. Customers may come to the site by appointment only. 5. The home occupation must be conducted in the principal dwelling, not in an accessory structure and not outdoors. ... 7. Hours of operation must be limited to Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Signage Rules
A Henrico home occupation may display no more than two non-illuminated signs totaling two square feet and no taller than four feet, and these need no sign permit. No other outside evidence of the business is allowed under the zoning ordinance.
Henrico: Home Business Signs Limited to Two Small Signs
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 24-5703.D
On any lot, not more than two non-illuminated signs not exceeding two square feet in aggregate area or four feet in height.
Cottage Food Operations
Henrico zoning lets a home occupation sell home cooking and packaged food made on site, along with handicrafts and clothes made on site, but reselling purchased products is not allowed. Virginia's home food-processing exemption (Va. Code § 3.2-5130) separately governs what foods can be made at home.
Henrico: Home Cooking Allowed as a Sale-of-Goods Home Occupation
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 24-4419.D.1
The home occupation must be limited to handicrafts made on site, clothes made or altered on site, and home cooking and preparation of packaged food items. Purchasing finished products and offering them for resale is not allowed as a Home Occupation, Sale of Goods.
Home Daycare
Henrico zoning defines a family day home as in-home care for up to 12 children. A small family day home (five or fewer children) is a by-right accessory use in residential districts; a large one (6-12 children) needs a conditional use permit. State licensing may also apply.
Henrico: Small Family Day Homes Allowed by Right
Some RestrictionsHenrico County Code § 24-8501
Family day home. A private dwelling where care is provided as an accessory use for up to 12 children, exclusive of the provider's own children and any children who reside in the home. A small family day home provides care for five or fewer children, and a large family day home provides care for six to 12 children.
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