Paterson, NJ Home Business: Customer Traffic Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Client visit limit
- 2 visitors/clients per hour
- Non-resident employees
- 1 maximum
- Floor area cap
- 35% or 500 sq ft
- Source date
- 2016 codification (Article V)
Summary
Paterson zoning limits home-based businesses to no more than two client, patient, or visitor stops per hour, keeping home occupations subordinate to the residential use under the 2016-codified zoning ordinance.
H. The rate of visits by clients, patients or other types of visitors per hour to the home business shall not exceed two (2) per hour.
I. There shall be no delivery vehicles in excess of that associated with the residential use on site.
I. No equipment or process shall be used in such home business which creates noise, glare, fumes, odors, electrical interference, medical waste or nuisance factors detectable to the normal sense or to radio, telephone or television equipment off the lot.
�500-5.35. Tattoo, Body Piercing and Skin Art Studios
A. Waiting and Display Areas. Tattoo samples inside the studio and any other artwork inside the studio shall be displayed in professionally matted and framed panels. Frames must include glass glazing. Tattoo samples shall not be displayed in such a manner as to be visible to the general public outside the studio. There shall be no outdoor scats or ledges that could be used for seating or loitering. There shall be no outdoor area for smoking that is visible to the general public or a public street.
B. Signage. Studios must use either silk-screened signs on canvas awnings or a non-glossy panel sign that may be illuminated by gooseneck style spot lighting. Mounted lettering can also be used if it is not backlift or made of a glossy material. The total signage area may not cover more
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Paterson's Zoning and Land Development Ordinance permits home businesses in dwellings only if the resident-owner meets a list of conditions, including a hard cap on visitor traffic: no more than two client, patient, or visitor stops per hour under §500-5.34.H. The section also limits the business to one non-resident employee, 35% of floor area or 500 square feet, and bars on-site retail sales. This text is Article V of the April 2016 zoning codification, certified as adopted by the City Council on February 9, 2016, the most current copy on file. Confirm any later amendment with the City Clerk's office or the Division of Planning and Zoning before relying on it for a permit application.
Violations & Fines
Zoning Officer enforcement under the 2016-codified ordinance; violations were then punishable by up to $500 and 10 days in the Passaic County Jail per offense: confirm current penalties with the City Clerk.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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