5 rules for unincorporated Prince William County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Prince William County zoning permits a home occupation as a business activity conducted entirely within a dwelling by its residents that is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use. No more than 25 percent of the dwelling's floor area may be used, and no customers or non-resident employees are
PWC Zoning Ordinance Sec. 32-300.07 (Home Occupation)
A home occupation is a business activity conducted entirely within a dwelling unit by residents of that unit which is clearly incidental and secondary to the principal use as a dwelling unit.
Prince William County prohibits signage for a home occupation. A home-based business may not display any exterior sign or other outward evidence that a business is operating at the residence.
PWC Home Occupation Certificate standards (Signage)
No signage is permitted.
Prince William County follows Virginia's home food processing exemption. Under VA Code 3.2-5130, certain non-hazardous foods made in a private home (baked goods, candies, jams, dried mixes) may be sold without state inspection if labeled 'NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION.'
VA Code 3.2-5130
candies, jams, and jellies not considered to be low-acid or acidified low-acid food products, dried fruits, dry herbs, dry seasonings, dry mixtures, coated and uncoated nuts, vinegars and flavored vinegars, popcorn, popcorn balls, cotton candy, dried pasta, dry baking mixes, roasted coffee, dried tea, cereals, trail mixes, granola, and baked goods
In-home child care in Prince William County follows Virginia law. Under VA Code 22.1-289.02, home-based child care serving five through 12 children (excluding the provider's own and resident children) must be licensed by the state; caring for only related children is exempt.
VA Code 22.1-289.02
Home-based child care in which five through 12 children are served, exclusive of the provider's own children and any children who reside in the home, shall be licensed. However, home-based child care where the children in care are all related to the provider by blood or marriage shall not be required to be licensed.
Prince William County requires a Home Occupation Certificate to operate a business from a residence. Applicants provide proof of residency, a business description, and confirmation that the use meets all home occupation standards, processed through the county's Zoning Counter.
PWC Home Occupation Certificate standards
A home occupation is a business activity conducted entirely within a dwelling unit by residents of that unit which is clearly incidental and secondary to the principal use as a dwelling unit.
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