St. Louis requires a Home Occupation Waiver plus a Graduated Business License for home-based businesses. Zoning Code 26.08.380 bars outside employees and restricts customer visits and signage.
St. Louis Zoning Code Chapter 26 (Section 26.08.380 home occupation standards) permits home occupations in all residential districts subject to conditions. Operators must apply for a Home Occupation Waiver through the Zoning Section of the Building Division before obtaining a business license. Standards include: the occupation must be conducted entirely within the dwelling by residents only, no non-resident employees, no external signage except a small nameplate, no sale of goods from the premises except those produced on-site, no more than one customer at a time, and no commercial vehicles larger than a panel truck. A Graduated Business License (GBL) is then issued by the License Collector. Home occupations cannot generate traffic, noise, odor, or vibration perceptible at the property line.
Zoning violation citation $100 to $500 per day. Operating without GBL: separate License Collector enforcement action.
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