Bowling Green, KY Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

The Warren County/Joint Zoning Ordinance creates two permit paths for home-based work. A by-right Home Office under § 5.2.2.B needs no zoning approval as long as the operator is a resident, there is no signage, no customer or public visits, no additional parking, and on-premises merchandise storage stays under 200 sq ft. A Home Occupation under § 5.2.2.C requires a Conditional Use Permit application to the City-County Board of Adjustment through the City-County Planning Commission. Section 3.1 of the Joint Ordinance sets the application process: applications must be filed at least 28 days before the public hearing, the nonrefundable fee is set by the Planning Commission, and notice is published, mailed to adjacent property owners, and posted on the property. The Board reviews against the Sec. 5.2.2.C.1.a standards (max 2 non-resident employees, incidental to residential use, no exterior change, ≤6 sq ft signage, residential traffic levels, no nuisance noise/vibration/glare/fumes) and may impose additional conditions including extra parking. Only one Home Occupation permit may be issued per dwelling unit. Bowling Green also requires an Occupational License (business license) from the City Finance Department for anyone conducting business within city limits, and many trades (cosmetology, food service, child care) need additional state licenses.