5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Pierce County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Pierce County allows home occupations as an accessory use in urban and rural zones under Pierce County Code 18A.37.110, capping the activity at 500 square feet or 50 percent of the dwelling's living space, whichever is less, with no outside display or storage.
Pierce County Code 18A.37.110(A)(2)(a)
The home occupation shall be limited to an area not more than 500 square feet or a size equivalent to 50 percent of total floor area of the living space within the dwelling unit, whichever is less.
For home occupations in unincorporated Pierce County, signage is regulated by Title 18B of the Pierce County Code (Development Regulations - Signs), as directed by PCC 18A.37.110, so any home-business sign must comply with the county's sign standards for residential zones.
Pierce County Code 18A.37.110(A)(1)(g)
Signage is regulated by Title 18B PCC, Development Regulations - Signs;
Selling homemade non-hazardous foods from a Pierce County home requires a Washington Cottage Food Operation permit from the state Department of Agriculture (WSDA) under RCW 69.22 and Chapter 16-149 WAC, with a $35,000 annual gross sales cap.
WAC 16-149-040(1)
If gross sales during a calendar year exceed the maximum annual gross sales allowance of $35,000, the cottage food operator must cease operations for the remainder of that permit period or meet all the requirements and obtain a food processing plant license or cease operations for that calendar year.
A home-based day care in unincorporated Pierce County may operate from a residence under PCC 18A.37.100, serving up to 12 individuals with a DCYF-approved fence around the outdoor play area, and must hold a Washington family home child care license from DCYF.
Pierce County Code 18A.37.100(A)(3)
The maximum number of individuals receiving day care services at the facility shall not exceed 12 individuals.
A basic home occupation in unincorporated Pierce County is allowed as an accessory use under PCC 18A.37.110 if only the resident performs it and one vehicle up to 18,000 pounds is used; larger cottage industries need an Administrative Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit.
Pierce County Code 18A.37.110(A)(2)(b)-(c)
Only the resident can perform the home occupation; One vehicle up to 18,000 pounds gross vehicle weight is allowed;
1 cities in Pierce County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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