Hillandale CDP (part), Montgomery County, Maryland Home Business: Customer Traffic Restrictions Rules (2026)

Under Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 59, Section 59.3.3.3 (Home Occupation), customer traffic to a residential home business is strictly limited. A registered home occupation (no special exception required) allows up to one client or customer on-site at a time. The business must remain clearly subordinate and incidental to the residential use of the dwelling. There must be no exterior indication of the business, including no commercial signage, no outdoor storage, and no display of goods visible from the street. Parking for client visits must use existing residential parking and cannot create congestion. The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) enforces home occupation standards. A major home occupation (special exception through the Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings) may allow slightly more traffic but still must not alter the residential character of the neighborhood. Deliveries related to the home business must be limited to what is typical for residential properties.