Knox County requires approval before any home occupation begins. Submit a summary letter to the Zoning Department stating the business type, address, employees, and whether there will be deliveries. The Department of Code Administration must approve the home occupation prior to starting.
Knox County Zoning Ordinance section 4.90 states the county Department of Code Administration shall approve all home occupations prior to initiation of the activity. To apply, submit a summary letter stating the type of business, address, employees of the business, whether there will be deliveries, and any other pertinent information to the Zoning Department at 400 W. Main Street, Room 547, Knoxville, TN 37902-2405, or fax to 865-215-4255. Approval confirms the use fits the section 4.90 conditions (resident-only, 25% floor area, no accessory building, on-premises sales only) and the applicable zone. This applies to unincorporated Knox County; incorporated cities run their own process.
Starting a home occupation without approval, or one that fails the 4.90 conditions, is a zoning violation subject to enforcement.
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