Colorado Springs requires a home occupation permit through Planning and Neighborhood Services for any business operated from a residence that involves customer visits, employees, commercial vehicle storage, significant shipments, or exterior signage under City Code Chapter 7 Article 5. The fee is 80 dollars initial with no renewal. Permit is site-specific and non-transferable.
Purely computer-based home offices with no customer visits, no employees beyond family, no commercial deliveries beyond normal residential mail, and no signage do not require a permit. Common permit triggers include hair stylists, bookkeepers who see clients, music teachers, photographers, and tradespeople storing a commercial truck at home. Signage is limited to 2 square feet, non-illuminated. No more than one non-resident employee may work on site. Outdoor storage of business materials is prohibited. Client visits must not exceed 10 per day.
Operating without a required home occupation permit triggers a 250-dollar fine plus back fees. Repeat violations or zoning-incompatible uses (auto repair, manufacturing) may result in cease-and-desist and 1,000-dollar escalated penalties.
See how Colorado Springs's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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