Auburn, AL Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Auburn requires a home occupation zoning certificate before a residential business may operate. Under Zoning Ordinance Section 511.04(C), an applicant pays a fee established in Article IX and submits an application form with required attachments to the Planning Director, who has three business days to approve, deny, or request more information. Each applicant must submit a deed to the property; if the applicant does not own the property, the owner must provide a signed and notarized letter of authorization to apply (Section 511.04(C)). The city's Planning FAQ confirms a home occupation certificate is obtained from the Planning Department, then a City of Auburn business license is obtained from the Finance/Revenue Department. Only one home occupation is approved per residential dwelling unit, and a fraternity, sorority, or boarding house counts as a single dwelling unit. The Planning Director may, upon reasonable request, enter and inspect an approved home occupation to verify compliance (Section 511.04(D)(3)). If an applicant fails to provide required documentation, the application is denied. Home occupations must also meet all the general standards of Section 511.04(B). Confirm the current certificate fee with Development Services at (334) 501-3040.