Mason County, WA Home Business: Customer Traffic Restrictions (2026)

Mason County Code § 17.03.021 lets any use operate as a home-based occupation or cottage industry in unincorporated Mason County, WA without a special use permit as long as it satisfies seven listed standards, two of which govern traffic. First, on-site parking must be provided for up to ten vehicles combined for residents, customers and employees; any request for additional parking triggers special use permit review by the Community Development Department. Second, the cottage industry cannot create an increase of five percent or more in local traffic on the surrounding road network.

The same section caps outside employees at five nonresidents (with a seasonal allowance of five more for up to six weeks), requires the owner or lessee to reside in the dwelling, and limits visible signage and off-property noise, glare, fumes or odors. A cottage industry that cannot meet the traffic or parking standards must instead apply for a special use permit under Chapter 17.05, decided through the county's hearing examiner process (MCC 2.128) rather than approved administratively. The rule applies countywide in the unincorporated area, including the Belfair, Allyn and Shelton urban growth areas, and was last amended by Ordinance No. 2023-045 in August 2023.