Lakewood, OH Home Business: Customer Traffic Restrictions (2026)

Lakewood permits a Type A home occupation as an accessory use in its residential districts 'provided such use is clearly incidental to the principal use and complies with the requirements of Chapter 1145' (Codified Ordinances Sections 1121.03 and 1127.03). Operations that go beyond an incidental Type A activity - for example by drawing regular customer or client visits, employing non-residents, or creating off-street parking demand - fall under the additional regulations for Type B home occupations in Section 1145.03 and are treated as a conditional use under Section 1161.03(f), requiring approval by the Lakewood Planning Commission. Off-street parking and loading for home occupations is determined under Planning & Zoning Schedule 1143.05, and conditional-use application fees are set by Section 1173.06. Because Ohio Revised Code 713.06 lets Lakewood regulate the 'uses of buildings and other structures and of premises,' the City may condition or deny a home occupation that would change the residential character of the neighborhood. Confirm the specific customer, employee, and parking limits with the Planning and Development Department at (216) 529-6631 before opening to the public.