Fort Wayne allows home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones with Planning Services registration. No exterior signs, one non-resident employee max, and limited customer visits.
Under the Fort Wayne Unified Development Ordinance, a home occupation must be clearly secondary to the residential use. The business cannot occupy more than 25 percent of floor area, cannot alter the exterior of the dwelling, and cannot generate traffic, noise, odor, or electrical interference beyond normal residential levels. Fort Wayne permits one non-resident employee on site. Retail sales on site are generally prohibited except for goods produced in the home. Prohibited home occupations include vehicle repair, kennels, restaurants, and medical clinics. Registration is filed with the Department of Planning Services; fees are modest (typically under 75 dollars).
Operating without registration: fine up to 2,500 dollars. Expanded commercial use without variance: cease and desist plus daily fines.
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