5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Shelby County, a home occupation is allowed as an accessory use under the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code (UDC) Section 2.7.4, so long as it stays clearly incidental to residential use and does not change the neighborhood's residential character.
Memphis & Shelby County Unified Development Code, Sec. 2.7.4B(1)
The use of the dwelling unit for home occupation shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes... and shall under no circumstances change the residential character of the structure.
A home occupation in unincorporated Shelby County may not have any sign advertising the business. UDC Section 2.7.4 prohibits home-occupation signage and any visible evidence of the business from the exterior.
Memphis & Shelby County Unified Development Code, Sec. 2.7.4B(11)
No signage specifically associated with the home occupation shall be permitted.
Homemade food producers in Shelby County are governed by the Tennessee Food Freedom Act (T.C.A. 53-1-118). Foods produced in a home kitchen under the Act are exempt from state licensing, permitting, inspection, packaging, and labeling requirements.
Tennessee Food Freedom Act, T.C.A. 53-1-118 (TN Dept. of Agriculture summary)
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.
In-home child care in Shelby County is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS). A family child care home caring for five to seven unrelated children for three or more hours a day must be DHS-licensed.
TN DHS Summary of Licensing Requirements for Child Care Agencies; Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1240-04-01-.02
The Department of Human Services licenses child care agencies with five (5) or more unrelated children operating for three (3) or more hours per day unless exempt.
A compliant home occupation in unincorporated Shelby County needs no separate zoning permit under UDC 2.7.4, but it must obtain any applicable business license and pay business taxes, and only household residents may work in the business.
Memphis & Shelby County Unified Development Code, Sec. 2.7.4B(7)
No persons other than members of the family residing on the premises shall be engaged in the home occupation.
1 cities in Shelby County have their own home business rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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