5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
In Murfreesboro, a home occupation is an accessory use allowed only by special use permit. It must stay incidental to the home, employ only residents, and occupy no more than 25% of the dwelling's floor area.
Murfreesboro Zoning Ordinance, App. A § (rr)
Home occupations shall be subject to the following additional standards: [1] no person who is not a resident of the dwelling unit may be employed in connection with the home occupation at the dwelling unit or on the property;
A Murfreesboro home occupation may have just one attached business sign no larger than three square feet, and only with Board of Zoning Appeals approval — such signs are not allowed by right.
Murfreesboro Zoning Ordinance, App. A § (rr)[2]
one attached business sign, not exceeding three square feet, may be permitted subject to approval by the BZA. Such signs shall not be permitted by right;
Under the Tennessee Food Freedom Act, foods made in a home kitchen are exempt from state licensing, permitting, inspection, packaging, and labeling laws. No state permit or Rutherford County registration is required to sell most cottage foods.
Tennessee Food Freedom Act (TFFA)
foods produced in a home-based kitchen in accordance with TFFA are exempt from all licensing, permitting, inspecting, packaging, and labeling laws of this state, except when the Department of Health is investigating a reported foodborne illness.
A Murfreesboro family day care home caring for five to seven unrelated children needs a special use permit plus a statement that it can meet Tennessee Department of Human Services requirements. On-site loading and off-street parking are required.
Murfreesboro Zoning Ordinance, App. A § (bb)[3]
an application for a special permit for a day care home shall be accompanied by a statement from the State of Tennessee, Department of Human Services, that such day care home can comply with all requirements of the State of Tennessee with respect to such use;
Murfreesboro home occupations need a special use permit. If the applicant only needs an address for a business license and meets the standards, the Planning Director may issue it; otherwise the Board of Zoning Appeals decides.
Murfreesboro Zoning Ordinance, App. A (R-district use standard 11)
Home occupations may be permitted by special use permit provided, however, if home occupation approval is requested in order for the applicant to establish an address necessary for obtaining a business license and can meet the following standards, the special use permit for the home occupation may be issued by the Planning Director.
1 cities in Rutherford County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Rutherford County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Rutherford County Ordinance Hub →