Chesapeake requires a home occupation permit through the Planning Department. Use must be clearly incidental to residential use, no outside employees, no customer traffic disturbance, and no external evidence of the business.
Chesapeake Zoning Ordinance allows home occupations in residential districts subject to performance standards. Applicants file with the Planning Department and obtain a Chesapeake business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue. Typical conditions: no more than 25 percent of floor area used for business, no on-premises employees beyond residents, no retail sales to walk-in customers, no outdoor storage, and no signs except one non-illuminated nameplate. Home occupations must not generate traffic, noise, odor, or vibration beyond normal residential levels. Certain uses such as auto repair, kennels, and medical clinics are prohibited as home occupations.
Civil penalties begin at $100 for a first offense and escalate to $200 per day for continuing violations. Business license revocation possible.
See how Chesapeake's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.