Farmington Hills requires a Home Occupation Registration with the Department of Planning and Community Development before operating any home-based business. The application fee is $150 non-refundable, with a $75 annual renewal. A floorplan must accompany the application and zoning approval is required, with Fire Marshal approval if hazardous materials are involved.
Sec. 34-4.15 of the Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance requires every home-based business to obtain a Home Occupation Registration from the Department of Planning and Community Development before commencing operation. The application package includes: (1) a completed Home Occupation Registration Application identifying the business name, owner, type of activity, hours of operation, and property owner if different from the operator; (2) a floorplan of the dwelling showing the area to be used for the business (must not exceed 15% of floor area); (3) responses to the Sec. 34-4.15 compliance checklist confirming no exterior signage, no more than one client at a time, no non-resident employees, no flammable/hazardous materials without disclosure, and that the activity will not be noticeable from outside; (4) HOA permission documentation if applicable; (5) the $150 non-refundable application fee; (6) a $75 non-refundable annual renewal fee for ongoing operation. Applications are reviewed by the Zoning Official, with referral to the Fire Marshal if hazardous materials are stored. Some specialized occupations — notably massage therapy — also require a separate license from the City Clerk under Chapter 16 of the City Code. Last revised by the City Planner on February 7, 2023. Contact Planning at (248) 871-2540 or the Building Division at (248) 871-2450 for related permits (e.g., if a build-out is needed for the work area).
Operating without an issued registration, or violating any Sec. 34-4.15 condition (15% floor area, no signage, one client at a time, no non-resident employees), is a zoning ordinance violation. Code Enforcement can issue cease-and-desist orders, revoke an issued registration, and pursue penalties under the Chapter 1 general penalty provisions.
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