Wayne County, MI Home Business: Home Occupation Permits (2026)

Home-occupation permitting in Wayne County is handled by each individual city or charter township rather than by the county government. Detroit requires registration through its Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department for most home businesses. Dearborn, Livonia, Westland, Taylor, and Canton Township each maintain separate application procedures, typically requiring a zoning compliance review, a flat fee of 25 to 150 dollars, and a signed agreement acknowledging conditions such as no employees beyond household members, no exterior evidence of the business, and compliance with parking and signage limits. Some municipalities also require site plans, neighbor notification, or special-use permits for higher-impact operations. Michigan state-level licenses (sales tax registration, LARA professional licenses, Cottage Food disclosure) operate independently of local home-occupation permits. Wayne County Treasurer handles property tax matters and the Register of Deeds handles assumed name filings for sole proprietorships under MCL 445.1. Penalties for unpermitted home businesses are civil infractions under local ordinance.