Dorchester County limits customer and client visits to home-based businesses so traffic stays within normal residential levels. Walk-in retail is not allowed from the residence; a higher-traffic cottage industry needs a permit.
A home-based business in unincorporated Dorchester County must not turn a residential lot into a commercial destination. The home occupation standards under Zoning Ordinance 04-13 keep client visits, deliveries, and parking at levels normal for a home, and general walk-in retail trade is not permitted from the residence. Service businesses that draw occasional clients may be allowed if traffic and parking stay neighborly. An enterprise that expects steady customer flow, an in-home salon for instance, falls into the cottage industry category and needs a permit from Planning & Development. HOAs across Summerville-area subdivisions often restrict business traffic further.
Customer traffic, parking, or delivery activity beyond residential norms triggers complaints, code enforcement review, and possible loss of the home occupation or cottage industry permit.
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