Norfolk requires home occupations to comply with zoning standards limiting external evidence, customer visits, and non-resident employees. A Norfolk business license is required for all home-based businesses regardless of size.
Under the Norfolk Zoning Ordinance, home occupations must be clearly incidental and secondary to residential use. Standard conditions include: no external signage beyond a small professional nameplate, no more than one non-resident employee in most districts, no outdoor storage of materials or equipment, limited customer traffic, and no mechanical or electrical equipment creating noise, vibration, or interference beyond normal residential use. All home-based businesses must obtain a Norfolk business license through the Commissioner of the Revenue and pay applicable BPOL (Business, Professional, Occupational License) tax. Certain uses like medical clinics, auto repair, kennels, and restaurants are prohibited as home occupations. Short-term lodging is regulated separately under the STR ordinance.
Zoning violations: notice of violation, civil penalties up to 250 dollars for first offense and up to 500 dollars for subsequent violations under VA Code 15.2-2209.
See how Norfolk's home occupation permits rules stack up against other locations.
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