Franklin County Zoning Resolution Article 4 permits home occupations in unincorporated areas as accessory uses in residential districts with zoning certificate. No more than 25 percent of floor area used for business. No non-resident employees; no external evidence of business beyond small nameplate. Most Franklin County residents fall under city zoning (Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, etc.) rather than county jurisdiction.
Franklin County Economic Development and Planning Department issues zoning certificates for home occupations in townships and unincorporated areas. Application fee approximately 50 dollars. Prohibited home occupations include auto repair, kennels, restaurants, and any use generating significant traffic, noise, odor, or hazardous materials. Permitted occupations include consulting, tutoring, professional offices, craft work, and home-based online businesses. Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington, Grove City, Hilliard, and Gahanna each have separate home occupation rules in their city zoning codes.
Operating without zoning certificate: notice of violation, 150 dollars first offense, 500 dollars per day continuing. Court referral to Franklin County Environmental Court possible for persistent violations.
See how Franklin County's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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