5 rules for unincorporated Stark County, Ohio.
Verified from official government sources
Stark County does not zone; your city or township does. In the City of Canton, a home occupation is a conditional use needing a permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals, and the business must stay clearly incidental to residential use of the home.
Canton Codified Ordinances §1131.01 (Home Occupation definition)
an occupation which offers skilled services to clients and one which does not engage in the purchase or sale of economic goods and is conducted in a dwelling unit, provided a conditional use permit is obtained from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
In the City of Canton, a home occupation may not change the building's outside appearance except for one non-illuminated sign no larger than four square feet. Townships set their own limits under ORC Chapter 519, so confirm locally.
Canton Codified Ordinances §1198.11 (Special Criteria for Home Occupations)
There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises, except for one non-illuminated sign not exceeding four square feet in area.
Ohio's statewide cottage food law lets you make non-hazardous foods like baked goods, jams, jellies, and candy at home with no license, registration, or inspection. Products must be labeled 'This Product is Home Produced' and sold within Ohio.
Ohio Revised Code §3715.01(A)
"Cottage food production operation" means a person who, in the person's home, produces food items that are not potentially hazardous foods, including bakery products, jams, jellies, candy, fruit butter, and similar products specified in rules.
Home child care in Ohio is licensed by the state, not Stark County. A Type B family child care home cares for one to seven children at a time, with no more than three under age two, and needs a state license from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth.
Ohio Revised Code §5104.01
"Type B family child care home" means a permanent residence of the provider in which care is provided for one to seven children at one time and in which no more than three children are under two years of age at one time.
The City of Canton requires a conditional use permit from the Board of Zoning Appeals to run a home occupation. Only resident family members may work in it, with a narrow exception allowing one employee for certain professionals like doctors or attorneys.
Canton Codified Ordinances §1198.11 (Special Criteria for Home Occupations)
No persons other than members of the family residing on the premises shall be engaged in such occupation, except that one employee may be permitted.
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