Arlington, TX Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Arlington's Unified Development Code (UDC) treats home occupations as accessory uses permitted by right in residential districts provided specific performance standards are met. The business must be operated by a resident of the dwelling, remain clearly incidental to residential use, and occupy a limited portion of the home's floor area, typically 25 percent or less. No more than one nonresident employee is usually allowed, and exterior storage of equipment, materials, or commercial vehicles is prohibited. Signage is generally limited to a small nameplate, and activities that generate noise, odor, vibration, dust, smoke, or electrical interference detectable beyond the property line are not allowed. Customer or client traffic is restricted to avoid parking and congestion impacts typical of residential streets. Certain uses are expressly prohibited as home occupations, including auto repair, beauty shops with multiple stations, restaurants, kennels, and retail sales conducted on-site. A Conditional Use Permit or Specific Use Permit may be required for uses that exceed the standard thresholds. Texas Local Government Code Chapter 211 authorizes these zoning regulations. Operators should also obtain any required state professional licenses, file a DBA with the county, and collect Texas sales tax if selling taxable goods. HOAs and deed restrictions in Arlington neighborhoods often impose stricter limits than city code.