Allentown, PA Home Business: Customer Traffic Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Section 660-48.G and 660-48.H
- Type 1 clients/employees
- None allowed (residents only)
- Type 2 nonresident employees
- Maximum of 2
- Type 2 customer hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., by appointment only
- Appointment frequency
- No more than one per hour; max 2 clients at a time (3 students for teaching)
- Walk-in retail
- Prohibited (online retail allowed)
- Number per property
- No more than one Type 2 home occupation
Summary
Type 1 home occupations may have no clients or non-resident workers at all. Type 2 home occupations may have up to 2 nonresident employees and may admit customers only by appointment between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., one appointment per hour, with no more than 2 clients on site at a time.
(3) A maximum of 2 nonresident employees are allowed with a type 2 home occupation. For the purpose of this provision, the term 'nonresident employee' includes an employee, contractor, business partner, co-owner or any other person affiliated with the home-based business, who does not live at the site, but who visits the site as part of the home-based business. (4) Customers or clients may visit the site only from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and by appointment only, with appointments limited to no more than one per hour. No more than 2 clients or customers may be present at any one time, except that up to 3 students may be present at one time in a teaching-related home occupation (e.g., tutor or music/dance instructor). Limitations on patient visits do not apply to offices of a medical, dental, chiropractic or similar doctor unless imposed at the time of special exception approval.
Full Breakdown
Allentown distinguishes two types of home occupations in Section 660-48. G(2)-(3)). G(5)). and by appointment only, with appointments limited to no more than one per hour. H(2)-(4)). Limitations on patient visits do not apply to offices of a medical, dental, chiropractic, or similar doctor unless imposed at special-exception approval. H(5)). H(13)).
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the employee cap, admitting clients outside permitted hours, or running an unpermitted Type 2 use is a zoning violation enforceable under Section 660-123: the zoning officer may order discontinuance, and civil enforcement can yield a judgment up to $500.00 plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allentown
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