5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Kent County, Michigan.
Verified from official government sources
Home-business zoning is set by your city or township under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, not by Kent County. Rules on which home occupations are allowed and where vary by municipality (e.g., Grand Rapids' Chapter 61 zoning ordinance).
Sign rules for home businesses are set by your city or township zoning ordinance, not by Kent County. Many Michigan municipalities prohibit or strictly limit signs for home occupations to preserve residential character.
Michigan's Cottage Food Law lets you sell certain homemade non-hazardous foods without a license. Annual gross sales are capped at $50,000 ($75,000 for items $250+ per unit) until October 1, 2026. It is a state law, not a Kent County rule.
MCL 289.4102(5)
the gross sales of cottage food products by a cottage food operation must not exceed $50,000.00 annually until October 1, 2026. If the cottage food operation sells cottage food products at a price of $250.00 or more per unit, the gross sales of the cottage food products by the cottage food operation must not exceed $75,000.00 annually until October 1, 2026.
In-home childcare is licensed by the State of Michigan (LARA/MiLEAP), not Kent County. A family child care home cares for 1 to 6 children; a group home cares for 7 to 12. Local zoning cannot be more restrictive than state law.
MCL 722.111 (family child care home)
a private home in which 1 but fewer than 7 minor children are received for care and supervision for compensation for periods of less than 24 hours a day
Any home-occupation permit or registration is issued by your city or township, not Kent County. Requirements, fees, and standards are set in each municipality's zoning ordinance under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act.
2 cities in Kent County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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