6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in New York County, New York.
Verified from official government sources
NYC Zoning Resolution Article II Chapter 2 permits very limited home occupations in residential districts. Only licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and artists may work from home, with strict limits.
NYC zoning prohibits virtually all external signage for home occupations in residential districts. A small professional nameplate is the maximum allowed for permitted home offices.
NYC zoning prohibits home occupations from generating traffic, noise, or activity inconsistent with a residential neighborhood. Client visits are limited and often banned by co-op boards.
New York State allows limited home food production under the Home Processor Exemption. NYC Health Code Article 81 adds oversight. Sales are restricted to non-hazardous baked goods and similar items.
Home daycare in Manhattan requires NY State OCFS registration or licensing and compliance with NYC Health Code 165. Family daycare is capped at 6 children, group family daycare up to 12.
NYC does not issue a general home occupation permit. Home businesses operate under as-of-right zoning allowances. Specific activities may require DOH, DCWP, or OCFS licensing.
1 cities in New York County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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