Kansas City requires a home occupation permit for most businesses operated from a residence, limiting non-resident employees, customer visits, signage, and outdoor storage.
Under the KCMO zoning code, a home occupation permit allows residents to conduct business from their dwelling provided the use is secondary to the residential character of the property. Key limits include: only the occupants of the home plus up to one non-resident employee may work on site, customer visits must be limited (typically by appointment only), no signage visible from the street (except a small professional nameplate), no outdoor storage of materials or equipment, and no traffic generation beyond typical residential. Home-based office work, consulting, tutoring, hair services, tax preparation, small crafts, and online retail fulfillment are commonly approved. Auto repair, welding, heavy machinery, and production manufacturing are prohibited. The permit is obtained through the Development Center at low cost and generally does not require a public hearing unless customer visits are substantial. Short-term rentals are regulated separately under the STR ordinance. Business licenses and occupation taxes may still apply.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Kansas City code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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