Dallas treats home occupations as accessory uses under Section 51A-4.217. No separate home occupation permit is required as long as the business complies with accessory use standards. Certain professions may need additional state or city licenses.
Dallas does not require a separate home occupation permit. Home occupations are regulated as accessory uses under Development Code Section 51A-4.217. As long as the business meets all accessory use requirements (25% or 400 sq ft limit, no external evidence, no impact on residential character), it is permitted without a specific home occupation permit. However, depending on the type of business, operators may need additional licenses: a Dallas sales tax permit, a Texas occupations license for regulated professions, or a food handler's permit for cottage food operations. Businesses that exceed the accessory use parameters may need to relocate to a commercially zoned location.
Operating a non-compliant home business may result in Code Compliance enforcement. Businesses without required state or city licenses face separate penalties.
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance rules under Dal...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to right-...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Amplified outdoor...
Dallas, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Dallas require multiple permits through the Department of Sustainable Development and Construction: a building permit for the st...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by general nuisa...
Dallas, TX
Dallas adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Dallas City Code Ch. 16 (Fire Prevention). IFC § 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Dallas County.
See how other cities in Dallas County handle home occupation permits.
See how Dallas'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.