Durham requires a $52 Home Occupation Permit for most home businesses under UDO Sec. 5.4.4. NC Secretary of State registration required first. Telework offices exempt.
Under Durham UDO Section 5.4.4, a Home Occupation Permit is required when a business is primarily conducted within a residential dwelling unit and is considered an accessory use. The sole exception is for home offices used exclusively for teleworking or not associated with a particular business. To apply, the business must first be registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State Business Registration Office. The permit costs $52 plus a processing fee, payable through the Paymentus Payment Site using payment option 4-Planning. Applicants must submit a completed Home Occupation Permit Application, a payment receipt, and any additional documents listed on the application checklist through Durham's online submittal portal. The permit may be revoked if the business violates any conditions of UDO Section 5.4.4 including floor area limits, employee restrictions, traffic impacts, or the prohibition on exterior modifications. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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