Bronx home occupations follow NYC Zoning Resolution 12-10 definition. Allowed in residential zones without a special permit if limited to 25 percent of the dwelling (max 500 sq ft), no non-resident employees, no external signage other than a 1 sq ft nameplate, and no retail sales or customer traffic that alters residential character.
Under ZR 12-10, a home occupation in The Bronx must be conducted by occupants of the dwelling unit; only one non-resident employee is allowed; the activity cannot occupy more than 25 percent of the floor area or 500 square feet (whichever is less). Prohibited occupations include advertising agencies, animal hospitals, barbershops, interior decorators, real estate offices, stockbrokers, and manufacturing. A DCWP (Department of Consumer and Worker Protection) license may be required depending on trade. The Certificate of Occupancy cannot be changed — if the business exceeds home-occupation limits, DOB approval for a commercial C of O is required. No special permit from Board of Standards and Appeals is needed for compliant uses.
DOB violations for exceeding home-occupation limits start at $1,250. DCWP unlicensed trade violations range $200-$5,000 depending on category.
See how Bronx County's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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